— Roy Jones Jr. (@RealRoyJonesJr) June 24, 2024
DeAndre was the youngest of Jones Jr.’s three children he had with his wife, Natlyn. Jones Jr. was glad to have spent some time with his son the night before he ended his life.
“Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday,” Jones Jr. wrote on social media. “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. 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. Please respect our privacy while my family and I process this loss. Thank you for the love and support.”
Jones Jr. won the light heavyweight silver medal at the 1988 Olympics. He turned pro soon after, where he went on to hold multiple world titles cross four weight classes while compiling a 66-10 mark. While Jones Jr. initially retired in 2018, he returned to fight Mike Tyson in an exhibition boxing match in 2020. Jones Jr. most recently suffered a majority decision loss against former UFC champ Anthony Pettis in April 2023.