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Home » Gunman murders heavyweight Maurenzo Smith, then kills himself

Gunman murders heavyweight Maurenzo Smith, then kills himself

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In a shocking turn of events, heavyweight Maurenzo Smith was shot in cold blood at a Texas restaurant when trying to help his girlfriend.

According to reports out of Houston, Smith went to oversee the divorce of a 28-year-old woman. She was meeting with a 61-year-old unidentified male.

Maurenzo Smith murdered

Police responding to the science said “the 20-minute conversation did not go well” between the three people.

The man exited the diner before returning and opening fire at both Smith and the woman. Police added that Smith “was shot multiple times” as the man discharged thirteen rounds at both of them.

However, he missed the woman before leaving and driving away. Police caught up with the man later. They tried to arrest the suspect, but he exited his car before shooting himself in the head.

Heavyweight boxer

Smith, 44, won his second minor heavyweight title in January and was due back in the ring this weekend. He was in the midst of an eight-fight winning streak.

During his career, Smith suffered first-round stoppage losses to former world heavyweight champions Andy Ruiz Jr. and Shannon Briggs. He also fought ex-IBF titleholder, Charles Martin.

Known as “T-Diddy,” Smith never had the talent to make it to the very top. However, he was carving his path to the lesser championships and doing it successfully.

Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella led the tributes to Smith after hearing of his saddening death.

“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,” said DiBella.

Maurenzo Smith dead

News reports

Houston news reporter Grace White added a statement from Smith’s father.

“He tried to protect someone, but that’s not his job. He shouldn’t have even been here.

“But it happened, and it’s ugly. We have to stop the killing,” said Smith Sr. after formally identifying his son.

A further report gave more details.

“Deputies have not identified the individuals involved in this shooting, but family members said the deceased is Maurenzo Smith.

“They said he was a professional boxer who was set to travel to Colombia next week for a match.”

Matchmaker

Matchmaker Ron Katz gave Smith work during his career. He stated: “My God, I just heard that Maurenzo Smith was killed.

“Maurenzo fought for me a couple of times, including probably the best fight of his career against Vinny Maddalone.

“I’m so shocked and saddened to hear this horrible news.”

He later added: “Still in shock over Maurenzo Smith being gunned down. What I understand is that he was trying to help a friend. It’s really sad.”

Maurenzo Smith’s heavyweight title

Smith was active on social media until the day before his untimely passing. However, his accomplishment earlier in the year was his pinned post.

“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.

Beating Jose Elias Pacheco in two rounds, Smith had claimed the vacant American Boxing Federation Atlantic heavyweight title.

He never got the chance to defend it.

WBN would like to offer our condolences to the Smith family at this devastating time.

WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.