Just a few days after taking home the WBA gold cruiserweight title, boxer Paul Bamba passed away at the age of 35. Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo, Bamba’s manager, verified the fighter’s passing on social media.
Bamba won by stoppage for the fourteenth time in a year on December 21 in New Jersey against Rogelio Medina. Mike Tyson’s record for the most professional fights in a single year was broken by Bamba in the process.
A statement revealing Bamba’s death at the age of 35 was released less than a week later by Ne-Yo, whose true name was Shaffer Chimere Smith.
In a statement to reporters, Ne-Yo said, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives.”
He had a strong desire to succeed and was a fierce but self-assured competitor. More than everything, he was an amazing individual who motivated and inspired countless others.
We are deeply saddened by his loss and respectfully request your privacy and understanding as we work through our grief as a group.
After defeating Medina for the cruiserweight belt, Bamba promptly organized his next bout. Bamba attacked Jake Paul in an interview with Bloody Elbow, saying that the influencer-turned-boxer had the quickest chance to win a legitimate title match.
“I have something that you want; a real title,” Bamba remarked, in response to Jake’s frequent mentions of wanting to be a world champion.
Paul wrote, “RIP Paul Bamba,” on social media after Bamba passed away.
After going professional in January 2021, Bamba, a Puerto Rican and veteran of the Marine Corps, has battled his way up the boxing rankings. With his victory over Medina, Bamba’s career record now stands at 19-3.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.