The Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba has died on the age of 35, his supervisor, the R&B singer Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith, introduced Friday. The information comes lower than every week after Bamba claimed the WBA’s secondary “gold” cruiserweight title with a sixth-round knockout of Rogelio Medina in New Jersey.
Bamba’s loss of life was confirmed in a joint assertion from Ne-Yo and Bamba’s household. “It’s with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, pal, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose gentle and love touched numerous lives,” the assertion learn. It additionally described Bamba as a fierce competitor with an unrelenting drive for greatness.
The Puerto Rican fighter had a exceptional 2024, profitable all 14 of his matches by knockout. His title victory final week was the end result of a profession comeback after three early losses. Bamba, whose report stood at 19-3 with 18 knockouts, was extensively regarded for his resilience and dedication.
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Bamba’s journey to the ring was unconventional. He served within the US Marine Corps, the place he struggled with PTSD after a tour in Iraq. Dealing with homelessness, he turned to boxing as a strategy to rebuild his life. Coaching on the Morris Park Boxing Membership within the Bronx, he credited the game with saving him.
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“Boxing actually saved my life,” Bamba mentioned in an interview. He initially sparred for $10 per spherical earlier than being mentored by trainers Aaron “Superman” Davis and Bobby Miles. They helped him channel his struggles into knowledgeable profession that started in 2021.
Bamba’s journey included a stint in influencer boxing and a canceled battle with Tommy Fury in 2022. Lately, he referred to as out Jake Paul, hoping his title would place him for high-profile bouts. Paul, amongst others, paid tribute to Bamba on social media, writing: “RIP Paul Bamba.”
On the time of his passing, Bamba was residing in Atlanta and dealing as Ne-Yo’s private coach. Regardless of his demanding schedule, he remained dedicated to his boxing profession, usually coaching whereas touring on tour.
Tributes poured in from throughout the boxing world. Mustafa Meekins, who skilled Bamba for his title win, wrote on Instagram, “Loopy how life turns. By no means know what day it’s all going to finish. Be glad about each second and admire all of it.”