14.08.07 – By Vanessa McConnell I read an email from a dear friend the other day and it said: I am “AWAY FOR A MINUTE”! NO WORRIES–I AM GOOD! I ask for two things: 1) Keep me in your prayers, thoughts, meditation or “whatever you may call your communication with The Most High” and 2) IF you speak with me- DON’T ask why you haven’t seen me or if I am checking my page for messages. I Love You, God Bless You and May His Blessings CONTINUE to RAIN on you causing YOUR CUP TO OVERFLOW! Live Life With Love & Peace UnCaged…
I didn’t understand the email until I got a text message later that day saying: Asia was found dead in her home yesterday morning, possible suicide (there‘s no shame in death no matter how it happens). “Asia Mays, 24, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on August 8, 2007 in Colorado Springs. She was born September 3, 1982 in Fayetteville North Carolina to the union of Norman and Kim (Punson) Mays,” as it was published in The Gazette.
“She enjoyed boxing, fitness competition, aerobics and traveling. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son William Mays and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm, Monday August 13, 2007 at Angelus Funeral Directors 2535 Airport Rd. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday August 14, at Angelus Funeral Directors. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery.”
Anyone who has been fortunate enough to know Asia is left wondering and asking, why? She had everything working in her favor and everything to gain. Coming so close to becoming a champion boxer, she flew to Vegas recently to meet and train with Roger Mayweather at Top Rank Gym. Everyone was amazed with her focus, skills and dedication, wanting to sign her to endorsement deals and contracts without ever seeing her fight.
Now the world will never know one of the most gorgeous fighters with the biggest heart.
When I laid eyes on Asia Mays the first thing that came to mind was ‘top notch.’ She had class, beauty and was tougher than leather. I didn’t have to opportunity to know her personally or for very long but I hate I never got the chance to break the ice. When I met Asia her guards were up and there were sharks coming at her from all directions. By her being a boxer she always came out swinging. A role model and icon in the making. Heaven was blessed with an angel… R.I.P. Asia “Top Notch” Mays.
Asia’s last words to the press:
I am currently a successful single mother striving to make, William Eugene Mays (born February 10, 2006), proud to be my son. Throughout the pregnancy, I suffered from depression, unemployment, and constant rejection. I got to be 209lbs of misery in unsightly maternity wear. My life changed when I laid eyes on my son, and I made the decision to keep him, despite my plans for adoption, and I made the commitment to show this child that all dreams can be achieved no matter how unattainable they appear to be.
For a year and a half, I worked three jobs and trained six days a week. I trained to gain back my self-confidence and get back into the ring. In my journey, I ran into a lot of deceiving boxing promoters and it discouraged me into stepping back into the ring, but I did start to veer into the world of figure because the door of opportunity opened right in front of my face. I competed three times in figure, and I was fortunate enough to qualify to compete on the national level.
I am now 132 lbs (lost 67 pounds) of dedication to the well being of my son and to a lifestyle that revolves around health and fitness. I am still in search of a trustworthy and compassionate female boxing promoter and I will continue to advance my career in fitness through figure.