PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – He’s a local store clerk by day, a boxing champion by night. But his act of bravery could cost him his Olympic dream.

Police say Leverett Johnson walked into this 7-Eleven store on the Pitt campus looking to rob it.

Clerk Eric Sydnor was on duty in the store when Johnson confronted him.

Sydnor told KDKA’s Ross Guidotti, “It’s like one of those things where it was a blur what exactly was going on.”

Sydnor says Johnson pointed the pistol at him demanding money, but apparently had no idea who he was dealing with.

That’s because Sydnor is a Golden Gloves champion with hard hands.

“I won the Golden Gloves once, and made it to the finals three times.”

When asked how he handled Johnson, Sydnor said, “He got slammed.”

Syndors trainer Jose Caraballo says Johnson, “picked the wrong guy and store to walk into that night.”

But, the young boxer didn’t come out of the fight unscathed.

Johnson allegedly bit Sydnor’s hands.

Sydnor says he’ll be fine and ready for the U.S. Olympic Boxing team trials.

Sydnor says he’s no hero, and his ring and game skill matter less than what’s in his heart.

“The fact that I’m a boxer had nothing to do with anything. It’s just what’s right, and what’s wrong.”

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