Puerto Rican skilled boxer Paul Bamba handed away this week, his household and supervisor, R&B singer Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith, confirmed in a joint assertion on Friday. He was 35.
“It’s with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, buddy and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose gentle and love touched numerous lives,” the assertion posted on Instagram learn.
“He was a fierce but assured competitor with an unrelenting ambition to realize greatness. However greater than something, he was an amazing person who impressed many along with his distinctive drive and willpower. We’re heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privateness and understanding throughout this tough time as we collectively navigate our grief.”
The information comes one week after Bamba gained the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title and broke Mike Tyson‘s document for probably the most skilled fights in a single yr—14 fights, all knockouts.
Discover out extra under.
Who Was Paul Bamba?
Bamba was born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, and was not solely a boxer but additionally a Marine Corps veteran. His path to boxing started after he struggled with PTSD following a tour in Iraq and confronted homelessness. He fought his approach up the ranks, coaching at Morris Park Boxing Membership within the Bronx, and turned skilled in January 2021.
In a 2021 interview, Bamba credited the game for altering his life and giving him a way of goal.
“I grew up in foster properties and enlisted within the Marines after I was 17. After the Marines, I moved to New York Metropolis to construct a life and profession for myself. However discovering success within the metropolis, particularly beginning with nothing, is usually a problem. I used to be homeless twice through the first few years, however finally discovered some footing on the planet of health and boxing. I began as a fighter and a coach at boxing gyms. A number of years later, I based Trifecta Sturdy LLC. I’ve been combating in varied methods my whole life.
Boxing has taught me to be a greater particular person. It has taught me which you can by no means be good at every little thing. Some stuff is all the time going to be a problem, however adaptability is extra necessary than perfection. If you happen to run into an issue, you may’t simply hand over. It’s understanding that it’s a must to hold pushing ahead and on the similar time be OK with not understanding every little thing.”
Bamba’s victory over Rogelio Medina in New Jersey gave him a profession document of 19-3, with 18 knockouts—14 of which got here in 2024.
On the time of his passing, Bamba was residing in Atlanta and dealing as Ne-Yo’s private coach.
What Was Bamba’s Reason behind Loss of life?
The reason for Bamba’s demise has not been revealed as of but. Nevertheless, some followers are speculating that it might have been because of a well being problem since one in all Bamba’s fights earlier this yr was canceled because of an “unexpected medical problem,” Rising Star Promotions defined in an Instagram assertion in September 2024. The match was rescheduled to happen in October 2024 in New Jersey.
