Boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. announced on Monday his son has died by suicide.
His son Deandre was 32 years old, a representative for the athlete said.
In a post on X, Jones, 55, who has captured titles in multiple weight classes, said he was thankful he spent a night with his son before his death Saturday.
“I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come home Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family,” he wrote. “I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life. God gives it and God should be the one to take it away.”
Jones asked for privacy and thanked the public for their “love and support.”
Jones has five other children, his management said.
The athlete, who went pro in 1989, captured four world titles in four weight divisions from middleweight to heavyweight, according to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Jones made boxing history as the first middleweight champion in 106 years to win the heavyweight title and just the second light heavyweight champion to attain that feat when he defeated John Ruiz for the WBA title in 2003, according to the Hall of Fame.
He retired in 2018, with a record of 66-9, including 47 knockouts, and is considered among the best pound-for-pound fighters of his era, according to the Hall of Fame.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
