Bad Left Hook is sad to relay the news that former United States bronze medalist Rhoshii Wells has been murdered in Las Vegas. He was 31.

Wells won the bronze at 165 pounds in Atlanta in 1996, the city in which he grew up, after being born in Austin, Tex. Wells was teammates that year with the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Antonio Tarver, Fernando Vargas, Zahir Raheem, David Diaz and David Reid.

Wells went on to turn pro at 154 pounds, going 18-2-2 with 10 knockouts. He lost to then-unbeaten WBA junior middleweight titleholder Alejandro Garcia in 10 tough rounds in 2003, with the referee stopping the bout prior to the start of the 11th frame. Garcia led on the scorecards, 96-93, 96-94 and 95-94. They rematched in 2005, with Garcia scoring a 9th round TKO. It was Wells' last fight.

Rhoshii attempted a comeback on the last season of "The Contender" in 2007, but was cut before the action started due to ring rust.

The shooting that took Wells' life took place in an apartment complex, and Las Vegas police say they're searching for a person of interest.

UPDATE: The AP is reporting that an arrest has been made. 26-year old Roger Randolph was arrested by Arizona state troopers near the state line between Arizona and Nevada at a traffic stop.

Rhoshii Wells
1976-2008