Heavyweight Boxer Maurenzo Smith Shot 13 Times
Veteran heavyweight Maurenzo Smith was shot and killed on Wednesday.
The 44-year-old was reportedly shot “multiple times,” taking thirteen rounds, police said.
“Rest In Peace, Maurenzo Smith. Another senseless shooting takes the life of the 44 yr old veteran Houston heavyweight,” Hall of Fame Promoter Lou DiBella tweeted.
“Condolences to Maurenzo’s family. As his father says, “it’s ugly; we need to stop the killing.”
Rest In Peace, Maurenzo Smith. Another senseless shooting takes the life of the 44 yr old, veteran Houston heavyweight. Condolences to Maurenzo’s family. As his father says, “it’s ugly; we need to stop the killing”. #boxing #GUNviolence https://t.co/bV8zdutpUO
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) July 28, 2022
Smith allegedly went to accompany his 28-year-old girlfriend who was meeting with a 61-year-old unidentified male. His girlfriend and the unidentified male were going through a divorce and meeting to discuss the terms.
Police said it was a “20-minute conversation that did not go well.”
The man left the diner they met at before returning and opening fire at Smith and the woman. The man missed the woman.
The man then left and drove away, but police caught up with him. When authorities were about to arrest him, he exited his car and shot himself in the head.
Smith, known as “T Diddy” was scheduled back to the ring this weekend. He won the American Boxing Federation Atlantic Heavyweight title in January over Jose Elias Pacheco.
While the boxer was never able to make it to the top, he did go toe-to-toe with the division’s toughest contenders including Chris Arreola, Adam Kownacki, Shannon Briggs, Charles Martin and Andy Ruiz Jr – he lost to all of them.
Still, he became a champion with the ABFA heavyweight and took to social media earlier this year to express his gratitude.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving me the strength to pull out this victory. To accomplish winning my second heavyweight boxing championship.
“Next, I’d like to thank my friends and family that have supported me every step of the way, from my ups to my [downs],” said Smith.
He was never able to defend it.
Smith was a father of four children.