Puerto Rican hero Paul Bamba has kicked the can at 35 years old, his boss, the R&B specialist Shaffer ‘Ne-Yo’ Smith, reported Friday. The news goes under seven days after Bamba guaranteed the WBA’s optional ‘gold’ cruiserweight title with a 6th round knockout of Rogelio Medina in New Jersey.
Bamba’s passing was ensured in a joint explanation from Ne-Yo and Bamba’s loved ones. “It is with basic agony that we report the death of a dearest kid, family, mate, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love arrived at incalculable lives,” the verification read. It also portrayed Bamba as an incensed contender with a persevering drive for significance.
The Puerto Rican contender had a brilliant 2024, winning all 14 of his matches by knockout. His title win last week was the perfection of a well-established return quickly after three early difficulties. Bamba, whose record remained at 19-3 with 18 knockouts, was generally respected for his flexibility and insistence.
Brought into the world in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Bamba’s excursion to the ring was unpredictable. He served in the US Marine Corps, where he battled with PTSD after a visit to Iraq. Confronting vagrancy, he went to boxing as a procedure for re-trying his life. Preparing at the Morris Park Encasing Club in the Bronx, he perceived the game as saving him.
Keeping a veritable sense saved my life,” Bamba said in a social occasion. He at first struggled for $10 per round before being told through guides Aaron ‘Superman’ Davis and Bobby Miles. They assisted him with diverting his battles into an expert calling that started in 2021.
Bamba’s cycle recalled a stretch for sturdy boxing and a dropped battle with Tommy Fierceness in 2022. Of late, he got down on Jake Paul, accepting his title would organize him for high-profile gatherings. Paul, among others, regarded Bamba through virtual entertainment, conveying, “Tear Paul Bamba.”
At the hour of his passing, Bamba was living in Atlanta and filling in as Ne-Yo’s health coach. In spite of his referencing plan, he stayed fixed on his boxing occupation, customarily preparing while at the same time going on visits.
Affirmations poured in from across the boxing scene. Mustafa Meekins, who organized Bamba for his title win, made on Instagram, “Insane how life turns. I never understand what day it’s all going to end. Be thankful for each second and feel a commitment of appreciation all.”