Jake Paul’s trainer BJ Flores admits he feels fortunate to be alive after being shot in Colombia.
Flores, who was in Paul’s corner for his defeat to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia last month, revealed via his social media on Friday that he was the target of an armed robbery, whilst sat in the passenger seat at a red light in Medellin, the second biggest city in Colombia.
The former cruiserweight world title challenger, appeared in good spirits while addressing his followers, despite the near fatal incident.
Flores says he managed to avoid being struck in the face after moving the pistol to his leg, where he was shot.
The 44-year-old is set to undergo surgery in a hospital in the South American country to remove the bullet.
Armed robbery at Gunpoint… At a red light in Medellin Colombia on passenger side…
Pistol to my right temple,
I was able to move the weapon down and manage to only get shot in the leg one time. Hospital now waiting surgery to remove the bullet . Thank GOD I’m alive. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/n06LbNc2FN— Benjamin Flores (@bjfloresboxing) March 17, 2023
“Armed robbery at Gunpoint… At a red light in Medellin Colombia on passenger side…,” he tweeted.
“Pistol to my right temple.
“I was able to move the weapon down and manage to only get shot in the leg one time.
“Hospital now waiting surgery to remove the bullet . Thank GOD I’m alive.”
Flores, a former world cruiserweight title challenger, who was stopped by Tony Bellew in 2016, displayed a scar on the side of his head where he said the gun was held.
In a video message attached to his tweet, he said: “I appreciate the messages. Thank you so much.
“[You can] see where the pistol was held right there. That’s when they came to the car and put the pistol right there.
“Crazy, yeah. I don’t know what to say.
Awaiting surgery at the moment. Glad to be alive. 🙏🏻
— Benjamin Flores (@bjfloresboxing) March 17, 2023
“Pistol was right there. [They] were yelling at me to give my wallet, my watch, everything.
“We were definitely targeted. They couldn’t have possibly seen my watch when I was sitting in the passenger’s seat on my left hand, so we were definitely targeted.
“It is what it is. I’m still alive. Everything’s good. I’m happy.
“The doctor’s came in and told me we’ve got surgery coming up now so I’ll be under for maybe an hour, hopefully less, get this thing out quick and onto the next.
“Stay safe out there and everyone be careful.”
