Detroit boxer Isiah Jones was shot and killed on Monday following a dispute with his brother, his trainer alleged. The boxer was 28 years old.
Roshawn Jones, who has worked as Isiah’s trainer but is not related, told RingTV.com that the welterweight had been arguing with his brother Monday evening before he was ultimately shot in the head.
Police confirmed that a 28-year-old male matching that name was shot and killed by a relative at approximately 6:26 pm Monday evening on the 9300 block of Stout Street, but no further details were made available.
Roshawn sent a tweet out early Tuesday morning with the news of Isiah’s death.
“Isaiah Jones (9-7-0) is a Pro Boxer out of Detroit, Michigan, a fellow member of Soul City Boxing and Wrestling Gym, our last fight was against Roy jones jr Promotion Team! Isaiah, Lost his life yesterday in a tragic event! Please keep his family in your prayers @trboxing”
Isaiah Jones (9-7-0) is a Pro Boxer out of Detroit, Michigan, a fellow member of Soul City Boxing and Wrestling Gym, our last fight was against Roy jones jr Promotion Team! Isaiah, Lost his life yesterday in a tragic event! Please keep his family in your prayers @trboxing pic.twitter.com/ekZQRxcUir
— Roshawn Jones (@Roshawn_Jones) September 20, 2022
Isiah Jones reportedly had an amateur record of 52-2 and won the prestigious 2016 National Golden Gloves in the middleweight division. Previous winners include Shawn Porter and Daniel Jacobs.
Isiah turned pro in 2016 and won his first eight bouts under the guidance of Roshawn Jones and Kenneth Ross. But he split from the camp and lost seven of his next eight fights. The one victory during that time period was an upset over unbeaten Donte Stubbs.
Maybe it was the win, but Isiah returned to train with Roshawn and was looking for his next fight at the time of his death.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020 Top Rank set up “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and held a series of events televised on ESPN. Isiah fought three times there, including on the Canelo Alvarez-Callum Smith undercard, when he was stopped in the first round by Austin “Ammo” Williams.
Roshawn was complimentary of Isiah’s toughness and fearless spirit.
“Him not turning down fights, every fight that he took, the odds were stacked against him. He had enough heart and courage to take them. He could have taken the easier route and just padded his record.”
Though he expressed concern about Isiah living in Detroit and wanted him to relocate to Toledo, Ohio. But with two kids that was difficult.
“When you’re living in poverty there is more frustration, more stressful energy. When you’re poor it’s easier to get mad,” Roshawn said. “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.”
No word on if Isiah’s brother has been identified as a suspect. Another life lost due to gun violence.
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