The multi-decorated boxer confirmed the news in a statement from X, thanking the public for their “love and support.”
Tuesday 25 June 2024 05:24, UK
Boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. has announced that his son has committed suicide.
In a post on X, Jones, the 55-year-old American boxer, said he was “grateful” to have spent the night with his son, DeAndre, before his death.
Sky News' US partner network NBC reported that the agent said DeAndre was 32 years old.
“I know a lot of people are going through a tough time right now, but it's not worth taking your life. Life is a gift from God and God should take it,” said Jones, a multiple-time world champion in four weight classes.
He requested privacy and thanked the public for their “love and support.”
Former professional boxer Tony Bellew was among those to pay tribute in the comments section of the post, writing, “Rest in peace.”
Podcaster and Dragons' Den star Stephen Bartlett added: “My condolences. Sending love to all the family.”
According to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Jones made boxing history in 2003 when he defeated John Ruiz to win the WBA title, becoming the first middleweight champion in 106 years to win a heavyweight title and just the second light heavyweight champion to achieve this feat.
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He retired in 2018 with a 66-9 record, including 47 knockouts.
He is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter of his era and earned the title of Fighter of the Decade from the Boxing Writers Association of America in the 1990s, the Hall of Fame reported.
Jones has five other children, his management said.
Anyone experiencing mental distress or suicidal thoughts can seek help from Samaritans in the UK by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org. In the US, contact your local Samaritans chapter or call 1 (800) 273-TALK.
