It would prove to be an unwise decision. The encounter began when the suspect informed the boxer that gentlemen of his race were not welcome in a particular bar:
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_fbecf6fa-9b90-54a5-acae-039330a92e9d.html -via Dave Barry | Photo: Flickr user Todd Huffman
Kootenai County Sheriff's Department officials said at the time of Abbey's arrest that he threatened to stab Baker.
Baker, of Spokane Valley, left the bar to avoid a fight, but Abbey followed him outside and toward a marina, hurling racial slurs.
According to a sheriff's department report, "Baker stated Abbey told him 'blacks' were not welcome in Bayview and he had better leave before something happened."
Abbey then poked Baker in the chest, the report said.
Baker told sheriff's investigators that he felt threatened as Abbey followed him, wouldn't leave him alone, and he instinctively punched Abbey in self-defense.
"Baker stated Abbey immediately fell to the ground and did not get up," the report said.
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_fbecf6fa-9b90-54a5-acae-039330a92e9d.html -via Dave Barry | Photo: Flickr user Todd Huffman
No offence, Coeur d'Alene is quite lovely.