Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba passed away this week, confirmed by his family and manager, R&B singer Shaffer «Ne-Yo» Smith
29 december 2024 в 19:37
Professional boxer from Puerto Rico Paul Bamba passed away this week, his family and manager, R&B singer Shaffer «Ne-Yo» Smith, confirmed in a joint statement on Friday. He was 35 years old.
«With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, friend, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose bright and loving heart touched countless lives», - the statement read, published on Instagram.
«He was a strong but confident opponent with an unwavering ambition for greatness. But above all, he was a wonderful man who inspired many with his exceptional perseverance and determination. We are shattered by his departure and ask for privacy and understanding in this difficult moment as we collectively mourn our loss».
The news came a week after Bamba won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title and broke Mike Tyson’s record for the most professional fights in one year — 14 fights, all knockouts.
Bamba was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and was not only a boxer but also a Marine Corps veteran. His path to boxing began after he struggled with PTSD following his service in Iraq and faced homelessness. He rose through the ranks, training at the Morris Park Boxing Club in the Bronx, and turned professional in January 2021.
In a 2021 interview, Bamba noted that sports changed his life and gave him a sense of purpose.
«I grew up in foster care and joined the Marine Corps at 17. After the Marines, I moved to New York to build a life and career for myself. But achieving success in the city, especially starting from scratch, can be a challenge. I was homeless twice in the early years, but eventually found solace in the world of fitness and boxing. I started as a fighter and trainer in boxing gyms. After a few years, I founded Trifecta Strong LLC. I have fought in various ways my whole life.
Boxing taught me to be a better person. It taught me that you can’t be perfect at everything. Some things will always be a challenge, but adaptability is more important than perfection. If you face a problem, you can’t just give up. It’s understanding that you have to keep moving forward and at the same time be prepared for not knowing everything."
Bamba’s victory over Rogelio Medina in New Jersey brought him a career record of 19−3, with 18 knockouts — 14 of which came in 2024.
At the time of his death, Bamba was living in Atlanta and working as a personal trainer for Ne-Yo.
The cause of Bamba’s death has not been disclosed. However, some fans speculate that it may have been related to health issues, as one of Bamba’s fights earlier this year was canceled due to an «unexpected medical issue», - explained Rising Star Promotions in a statement on Instagram in September 2024. The fight was rescheduled for October 2024 in New Jersey
«With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, friend, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose bright and loving heart touched countless lives», - the statement read, published on Instagram.
«He was a strong but confident opponent with an unwavering ambition for greatness. But above all, he was a wonderful man who inspired many with his exceptional perseverance and determination. We are shattered by his departure and ask for privacy and understanding in this difficult moment as we collectively mourn our loss».
The news came a week after Bamba won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title and broke Mike Tyson’s record for the most professional fights in one year — 14 fights, all knockouts.
Bamba was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and was not only a boxer but also a Marine Corps veteran. His path to boxing began after he struggled with PTSD following his service in Iraq and faced homelessness. He rose through the ranks, training at the Morris Park Boxing Club in the Bronx, and turned professional in January 2021.
In a 2021 interview, Bamba noted that sports changed his life and gave him a sense of purpose.
«I grew up in foster care and joined the Marine Corps at 17. After the Marines, I moved to New York to build a life and career for myself. But achieving success in the city, especially starting from scratch, can be a challenge. I was homeless twice in the early years, but eventually found solace in the world of fitness and boxing. I started as a fighter and trainer in boxing gyms. After a few years, I founded Trifecta Strong LLC. I have fought in various ways my whole life.
Boxing taught me to be a better person. It taught me that you can’t be perfect at everything. Some things will always be a challenge, but adaptability is more important than perfection. If you face a problem, you can’t just give up. It’s understanding that you have to keep moving forward and at the same time be prepared for not knowing everything."
Bamba’s victory over Rogelio Medina in New Jersey brought him a career record of 19−3, with 18 knockouts — 14 of which came in 2024.
At the time of his death, Bamba was living in Atlanta and working as a personal trainer for Ne-Yo.
The cause of Bamba’s death has not been disclosed. However, some fans speculate that it may have been related to health issues, as one of Bamba’s fights earlier this year was canceled due to an «unexpected medical issue», - explained Rising Star Promotions in a statement on Instagram in September 2024. The fight was rescheduled for October 2024 in New Jersey
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
