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

Paul Bamba, a boxer from Puerto Rico, has passed away at the age of 35, as reported by his manager, the R&B artist Shaffer 'Ne-Yo' Smith, on Friday. This sad announcement comes just days after Bamba secured the WBA's secondary ‘gold’ cruiserweight championship with a knockout victory over Rogelio Medina in New Jersey during the sixth round.

The news of Bamba’s death was shared in a united message from Ne-Yo and his family. “With deep sadness, we share the loss of our cherished son, brother, friend, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose warmth and kindness impacted many,” the message said. It also portrayed Bamba as a determined athlete, driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

The Puerto Rican boxer had an incredible year in 2024, achieving victory in all 14 of his bouts by knockout. His recent title win marked a significant milestone in his comeback after three initial defeats. Bamba, with a record of 19 wins—18 by knockout and 3 losses—was well-known for his toughness and strong will.

Originally from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Bamba's path to boxing was anything but typical. After serving in the US Marine Corps, he faced challenges with PTSD following his deployment in Iraq. When he found himself on the brink of homelessness, he sought refuge in boxing to transform his life. He trained at the Morris Park Boxing Club in the Bronx, and he attributes his recovery to the sport.

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“Boxing truly turned my life around,” Bamba shared during an interview. At first, he was sparring for just $10 a round until he came under the guidance of trainers Aaron ‘Superman’ Davis and Bobby Miles. With their support, he was able to redirect his challenges and embark on a professional career that took off in 2021.

Bamba's path featured a period in influencer boxing and a postponed match against Tommy Fury in 2022. Recently, he challenged Jake Paul, believing that his championship could lead to more prominent fights. Paul and several others expressed their condolences for Bamba online, sharing messages like, “RIP Paul Bamba.”

When he passed away, Bamba was based in Atlanta and served as Ne-Yo's personal trainer. Even with a busy routine, he stayed dedicated to his boxing career, frequently fitting in training sessions while on the road with the tour.

Messages of remembrance came flooding in from all corners of the boxing community. Mustafa Meekins, who coached Bamba during his championship victory, shared on Instagram, "It's astonishing how life unfolds. You never know when everything might come to a close. Cherish every moment and value it all."