Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba, who won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight world title when he defeated Mexico’s Rogelio Medina on Dec. 21, has died at age 35. Bamba’s manager, Ne-Yo, announced the news in a joint statement with the boxer’s family on Instagram.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives,” Bamba’s loved ones stated. “He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.”
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Bamba’s family remember their loved one as “a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.”
“But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination,” the family stated. “We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief.”
Bamba was enjoying a tremendous 2024 in which he earned 14 victories by knockout, BBC reported. After earning his world title in New Jersey last week, Bamba proudly reflected on his journey.
“This year I set out with a goal. I did just that. Wasn’t easy, there were many obstacles that I adapted to overcome and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances,” he wrote on Instagram. “If you’ve got what some might call an outlandish goal, go chase it. Anyone who thinks that isn’t as brave as you, prove people wrong.”
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Paul Bamba has passed away at 35 years old
Bamba won the WBA Gold World title last week ❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ziX0TzBQI0
— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) December 27, 2024
Bamba totaled 19 victories in 22 career fights, earning 18 of those wins by knockout. Ne-Yo, who signed Bamba to his management company in November, expressed his excitement when their partnership became official.
“To be completely honest? Just belief in the fighter,” the pop star told NBC News in November. “Realizing places I could help him, realizing places he could help me, it all made sense. You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t shoot. So let me see what it’s about, let me give it a try.”
As CBS Sports reported, during his match on Dec. 21, he also broke Mike Tyson’s record for “most professional fights in a one-year span.”
