Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba dies aged 35, six days after last fight | Boxing

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 per week after Bamba claimed the WBA’s secondary “gold” cruiserweight title with a sixth-round knockout of Rogelio Medina in New Jersey.

Bamba’s dying 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, good friend, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose mild 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, successful 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 file stood at 19-3 with 18 knockouts, was broadly regarded for his resilience and willpower.

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 method to rebuild his life. Coaching on the Morris Park Boxing Membership within the Bronx, he credited the game with saving him.

“Boxing actually saved my life,” Bamba stated 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 an expert 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 known 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 dwelling in Atlanta and dealing as Ne-Yo’s private coach. Regardless of his demanding schedule, he remained dedicated to his boxing profession, typically 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 pleased about each second and admire all of it.”