He began his career as a Lightweight in 1948, continuing to fight in that division for 6 years before finally growing into the Welterweight class.
Akins had powered his way up the rankings in both divisions and finally got his chance of a World title once Carmen Basilio relinquished the Welterweight Championship to concentrate on defending his new Middleweight crown.
An elimination tournament including six of the World's top-rated Welterweights was swiftly established in an effort to find Basilio's successor.
Akins emerged the victor and new World Champion on June 6, 1958, by pounding favourite Vince Martinez to a fourth round destruction.
Akins's contract was "owned" under the table by the notorious Frank "Blinky" Palermo, a member of the Philadelphia crime family.