Roy Jones Jr is considered one of the best boxers of all time. He has held four world titles in four different weight classes and made history when he became the first middleweight champion in more than 100 years to win the heavyweight title and then the second light heavyweight championship. Sadly, he just suffered a devastating loss.
In a June 24 post on Instagram, Jones revealed that he had lost his son DeAndre, who took his own life at the age of 32. Jones said he was “so thankful that God allowed [him] to come home Friday night to spend the last night of [DeAndre’s] life” with him. DeAndre took his life on Saturday. Jones continued, saying he understands many people are struggling, “But nothing is worth taking your own life.” The former boxer asked for privacy for him and his family as they go through this hard time.
After Jones announced his son’s death, many friends, loved ones, and fans paid tribute to DeAndre by posting condolences and sharing memories. Jones’ son is also survived by two siblings, Roy III and DeShaun, and his mother, Natlyn. No details about DeAndre’s death have been made public, nor have there been any details about a public funeral service.
Jones retired from boxing in 2018 with an impressive record of 66 wins to 9 losses. Most of the wins, 47 of them, were knockouts. Jones even won a silver medal in the 1988 Olympics, though there’s always been controversy around that fight, and many believe he should have won the gold medal. The boxer was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame located in Canastota, New York, in 2022.
Since his retirement, Jones has stayed active in the boxing world. In 2020, he boxed Mike Tyson in an exhibition match, and then in 2023, he took on Anthony Pettis and lost by majority decision.
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