Most people think they know Roy Jones Jr. They remember the hands. Those lightning-fast, "how-did-he-even-do-that" hands that dominated the 90s. But if you look past the highlight reels and the championship belts, you’ll find a much more interesting story. It’s the story of Roy Jones Jr and wife Natlyn Jones, a partnership that has survived the brutal highs and lows of the boxing world for decades.
Kinda rare for the fight game, right? Usually, you hear about messy divorces and public drama. Not here. Natlyn isn't just someone standing in the corner during a photo op. Honestly, she’s been the engine under the hood for a long time.
Who Exactly Is Natlyn Jones?
She’s a lot more than just a "boxer's wife." Natlyn is a powerhouse in her own right. Born and raised in Florida, she eventually graduated from Florida State University. Her background isn't even in sports—she actually studied criminology and child psychology. You’d think that would lead to a courtroom or a clinic. Instead, it led to the ring.
Life with a legend isn't all glitz. It’s hard work. For years, Natlyn was deeply involved in the business side of Roy’s career. We’re talking about managing the books, running the promotional company, and even designing Roy’s iconic fight gear.
Then she took it a step further.
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In 2019, she launched SheWarrior. It’s a sustainable activewear brand built specifically for women who box or just want that "fighter" mentality. She didn't just put her name on a label either. Natlyn actually got in the ring. She trained for two years to understand the grit and the mechanics of the sport before she ever tried to market it. That’s authentic.
A Marriage Built on Resilience
Roy and Natlyn have three kids together: Roy III, and the twins, DeAndre and DeShaun. They’ve raised their family away from the suffocating spotlight of Vegas or New York, mostly sticking to their roots in Florida.
But 2023 brought a tragedy that would break most families. Their son, DeAndre, died by suicide.
It’s the kind of pain you don't "get over." Roy has been incredibly vocal lately about his grief. He’s talked openly about using his faith to keep his head above water. In a recent talk with Clubhouse Boxing in early 2026, Roy shared how he’s used his own loss to counsel other athletes, like Anthony Joshua, through their own dark times. Natlyn has been the rock through this. While Roy is the public face of the grief, she’s been the one holding the household together, proving that the "Warrior" branding isn't just marketing—it's how she lives.
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What Roy Jones Jr and Wife Are Doing in 2026
They aren't slowing down. While the "Junior" version of Roy is a Hall of Famer and an analyst, he’s still very much a disruptor. He recently made headlines for calling out the shift in boxing promotions, specifically eyeing the way major players are changing the landscape this year.
Natlyn is still pushing the boundaries with SheWarrior.
- She’s moving the brand into more brick-and-mortar spaces.
- She’s focusing on waterless dyeing processes to keep the brand eco-friendly.
- She continues to promote female fights through their company, Square Ring Promotions.
They’ve basically become a two-headed monster in the industry. Roy handles the technical side and the "big name" legacy, while Natlyn handles the entrepreneurship and the next generation of female athletes.
The Realities of the Fight Life
It’s easy to look at the million-dollar checks and think it's easy. It isn't. Natlyn has spoken about the "politics" of boxing—how it’s a "drown or swim" environment. Being a woman in a male-dominated sport like boxing promotion isn't exactly a walk in the park. She had to fight for her seat at the table.
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Kinda makes you respect them more, doesn't it?
They didn't just take the money and run into retirement. They stayed. They’re building. And they’re doing it as a unit.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Entrepreneurs
If you’re looking at Roy Jones Jr and wife Natlyn as a model for success, here’s the takeaway:
- Diversify your identity. Don't just be the spouse of a celebrity. Natlyn used her platform to build a brand that stands on its own.
- Vulnerability is a strength. Roy’s willingness to talk about mental health and the loss of his son has done more for his legacy than another exhibition match ever could.
- Stay rooted. Despite the fame, they kept their family life in Florida relatively private and grounded.
If you want to keep up with what they're doing, keep an eye on the 2026 International Boxing Hall of Fame events. Even though Roy is already in, he’s frequently there supporting the new classes—like Antonio Tarver—and you’ll almost always see Natlyn right there beside him, likely planning the next big move for SheWarrior.