Former Boxer Rick Welliver Assaulted in Spokane
The retired professional boxer was hospitalized after a violent attack in the Peaceful Valley neighborhood.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Boxing
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Retired professional boxer Rick Welliver suffered a traumatic brain injury and other severe wounds during an assault by a group of men. The incident occurred on a stairwell near West Riverside Avenue and South Cedar Street.
Why it matters
The violent nature of the unprovoked attack has raised safety concerns in the Peaceful Valley area. Authorities are currently seeking suspects involved in the assault that required hospital intervention.
The Spokane Police Department has made no arrests as of Tuesday following the assault. Welliver sustained a gash requiring 15 staples and a dislocated left ankle.
The players
Rick Welliver
He is a former professional boxer who retired from the sport in 2005.
Spokane Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes within the city limits of Spokane.
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
This facility is a major regional hospital in Spokane that provides comprehensive trauma and emergency medical care.
The details
Welliver reported that the group initially stopped him to ask for his phone before attacking him with a tire iron. He managed to protect his face by curling on the ground while being stepped on and stomped by the assailants.
Timeline
Police were called to the scene at 1:45 p.m. Sunday.
Rick Welliver was discharged from the hospital on Monday.
Rick Welliver recounted the attack in an interview on Tuesday.
Legal Context
This violent encounter follows a pattern of localized incidents tracked within the city's 2026 crime data. Such assaults remain a focal point for the Spokane Police Department as they monitor neighborhood-specific safety trends.
Residents in the Peaceful Valley neighborhood are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to authorities. The ongoing investigation may lead to increased police presence as officials search for the group of suspects.
The takeaway
Personal safety remains a critical priority even in familiar residential areas. Individuals are advised to be aware of their surroundings and immediately contact the police if they are approached by groups that seem threatening.
Further reading
For more on the local sports community, visit Boxing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
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