Professional Boxer. He was the former World Welterweight Champion (1958). The St. Louis native began his professional career in 1948 initially as a lightweight, and earned his first title fight (a bout for the Massachusetts version of the World Welterweight Title) in 1957 against Tony DeMarco. Akins would defeat DeMarco with a 14th-round knockout and scored a 12th-round technical knockout in their rematch three months later. In June 1958 Akins fought Vince Martinez for the World Welterweight Title (vacated by Carmen Basilio); Martinez would be floored nine-time as Akins was en route to a 4th-round technical knockout win and the capturing of the crown. His reign lasted six months when he lost a title defense contest (15-round unanimous decision) to Don Jordan; their rematch five months later yielded the same result. He retired in 1962 after compiling a 60 win (34 knockout), 31 loss and 2 drawn record. (bio by: C.S.)