A champion boxer was shot and killed by a family member, police have confirmed.
Isiah Jones was shot on Monday night (19 September) on the 9300 block of Stout Street, Detroit.
Rumours have surrounded the circumstances of the 28-year-old's death but Detroit Police only confirmed that he had been killed by a relative.
Advert
They told The Ring that a male matching the name of the sports star was shot earlier this week.
Jones boasted a boxing record of 9-7, including three knockouts, and was the 2016 National Golden Gloves champion.
During his career, he had fought at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and had even appeared on the Canelo Alvarez-Callum Smith undercard in 2020.
Advert
His trainer Roshawn Jones says he was fearless in the ring.
"Him not turning down fights, every fight that he took, the odds were stacked against him," he recalled.
"He had enough heart and courage to take them. He could have taken the easier route and just padded his record."
Jones said he was worried about the fighter living in Detroit and even tried to convince him to move his camp to Ohio.
Advert
He said: "When you’re living in poverty there is more frustration, more stressful energy. When you’re poor it’s easier to get mad."
Adding: "He was a very great father, he provided for his kids. He was a hard worker. Everyone is not perfect in life but he was a good human being.
"He’d make you smile and laugh and was a great role model in the gym. Very humble and respectful."
Advert
Since news of his death was announced, the boxing community has come together to share messages of condolence.
Paying his respects, boxing analyst Corey Erdman said: "Received the horrible news that middleweight Isiah Jones was killed last night.
"Homicide investigations are reportedly ongoing. Jones was one of the stars of the Top Rank bubble era on ESPN and fought on DAZN as well."
"Received a sad call last night regarding the passing of Isiah Jones. May Isiah rest well. So sad," wrote another.
Advert
While someone tweeted his trainer, saying: "@Roshawn_Jones I’m so very heartbroken on the loss of your client (Isiah Jones)."
UNILAD has contacted the Detroit Police Department for comment.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Dominic Smithers