Title won just six days ago
Boxing champion dies at just 35 years old
December 28, 2024 – 7:10 p.mReading time: 2 min.
A few days ago, Paul Bamba secured the WBA cruiserweight gold championship title. Now he died unexpectedly.
The boxing world mourns the loss of Paul Bamba. The Puerto Rican apparently died unexpectedly shortly after Christmas. This was announced by singer Ne-Yo, the athlete’s advisor, and Bamba’s family in a joint statement via Instagram. The boxer was only 35 years old.
The post said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives.” He was a “passionate and at the same time self-confident competitor with a tireless ambition to achieve great things.” “But above all, he was an extraordinary human being who inspired many with his extraordinary drive and determination.” Ne-Yo and Bamba’s family are “deeply shocked” by his death.
The circumstances of Bamba’s death are not explained in the statement. One thing is clear, however: just a week ago the boxer fought against the Mexican Rogelio Medina. He won the WBA gold cruiserweight championship.
Overall, 2024 was an extremely successful year for Bamba. He won all of his 14 fights by knockout. The boxer’s overall record: In 22 professional fights, he only left the ring as a loser three times.
Just two days ago, Bamba spoke out on Instagram about his successful past few months. “This year I set myself a goal. And that’s exactly what I achieved,” he wrote. “It wasn’t easy, there were many obstacles, but I adapted, overcame them and continued on the chosen path regardless of the extenuating circumstances.”
Fans and companions said goodbye to Bamba online. Social media star Jake Paul, who was in the ring against boxing legend Mike Tyson a few weeks ago, also commented. “Rest in peace, Paul Bamba,” he wrote on X.