Help Brian Get His Vision Back!

Brian Akins is my personal boxing coach at The UFC Gym Ricardo Lamas in Naperville, Illinois.  When I first met Brian, I was immediately drawn not only to his kindness, but the way he treated every single person that was in his class and in the gym.  I was extremely nervous to try something new.  I’ve only known CrossFit for the last 10 years, and telling myself I was going to learn to box was super intimidating.  I was told Brian was a great coach, patient, and helpful when it came to teaching technique.  I took the leap, signed up for 20 sessions and haven’t looked back.  Brian’s ability to breakdown the art of boxing at my level, while being patient and motivating is incredible.

The more our sessions went on, the more I began to learn about Brian, which has inspired me to share part of his story with everyone with the goal of getting him back in the ring.

I will be running a marathon, something I swore I’d never do, for Brian.  After hearing what he’s gone through, 26.3 miles is the least I can do.  My goal is to raise $10,000.00 by November 10th, the day of the race.  His first surgery, which will not be his only one, costs $3,200.00 and that does not even include the pre surgery appointment.  

Brian had 15 MMA fights as an amateur before turning pro back in 2017.   During the last two weeks of “Fight Camp,” after battling through multiple injuries (hip, knee, dislocated pinky finger, etc.) Brian took a kick to the face while sparring.  He didn’t know it at the time, but it was at that moment that the rest of his fighting career would be majorly impacted.  His vision was blurred and he knew something was off, but Brian, being competitive and relentless didn’t let that stop him from Fight Number 4.

On only his 4th professional fight Brian took a loss with a 29-28 decision in the HFC 35 main event when his career was then put on hold by a devastating injury.

It was only after the fight he learned his retina detached from his eye.  He went through 3 painful surgeries and is still not done with them.

It has been over 14 months since Brian has been in the ring because he is not cleared by his doctors to fight.

During the past year, not only has Brian had to deal with health issues due to his injury and the financial burden that comes along with them, his father, his lifeline as he describes him moved across the country.  Brian's dad has helped as much as he can financially and Brian knows he wouldn’t have gotten this far without his help.  Brian's mother struggles with mental health issues and the rest of his family lives in Tennessee. 

While trying to work through the challenges life has handed to him, Brian lost his major outlet due to the eye injury.

What’s even more incredible is that Brian shows up everyday to coach and help others.  He has learned over the past year how to strengthen his mindset and mental game and has learned a lot about himself as a person and a fighter through teaching others.

Brian still has a long road ahead in terms of his injury.  

Brian has the talent and his mindset is now stronger than ever.  Let’s give him the chance he deserves and get him back in the ring!