Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba, aged 35, sadly passed away on Friday evening, a fact confirmed by his manager, the renowned R&B artist Ne-Yo. The specific cause of his death remains unknown at this time.
Bamba had an impressive boxing record of 19 wins and 3 losses, with a remarkable 18 of those victories coming by way of knockout. In an extraordinary achievement, he fought 14 times in 2024, winning each match by knockout—a feat that established a new record for the most knockout victories in a single calendar year, surpassing the previous record held by Mike Tyson, which had stood for 38 years.
In his final fight, which took place just six days before his untimely death, Bamba defeated Rogelio Medina Luna in the sixth round to capture the WBA gold cruiserweight championship. This victory marked the pinnacle of his career and showcased his immense talent and determination.
Following the announcement of his passing, Ne-Yo released a heartfelt statement on social media alongside Bamba’s family. The statement expressed profound sorrow and highlighted the impact Bamba had on those around him: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend, and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives. He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. More than anything, he was a tremendous individual who inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination. We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief."
The boxing community has been deeply affected by the news of Bamba's death. Just a week prior, he had achieved a significant milestone by winning the WBA Gold World Title, culminating a year in which he went undefeated with an astonishing record of 14 knockout victories. This achievement allowed him to surpass Mike Tyson’s previous record of 11 knockouts in 1986.
Bamba had also expressed his ambitions in his last Instagram post, stating, "This year I set out with a goal. I did just that. Wasn't easy; there were many obstacles that I adapted to, overcame, and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances." He emphasized his gratitude towards his family, team, and supporters, encouraging others to pursue their ambitious goals despite challenges.
Additionally, Bamba had been in the limelight for his plans to fight Tommy Fury in November 2022, a bout that was ultimately canceled due to a weight disagreement. Just a month before his death, he had signed a management deal with Ne-Yo, further elevating his career prospects.
In a noteworthy turn, following his latest victory, Bamba had called out fellow boxer Jake Paul, offering him a chance to challenge for his title. Although Paul did not respond directly to the challenge, he paid tribute to Bamba on social media with a heartfelt message: “RIP Paul Bamba.”
The shockwaves from Bamba's passing have resonated through the boxing world, with many expressing their condolences and admiration for his achievements. A post from @Boxwerk on Instagram praised his incredible year, stating, "Bamba had a remarkable year, culminating in his record-breaking performance where he surpassed Mike Tyson’s long-standing record with an astonishing 14 knockouts in 2024. His prowess in the ring and his relentless drive earned him the respect and admiration of the boxing community worldwide."
Paul Bamba’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his remarkable achievements and the inspiration he provided to countless fans and aspiring athletes.
Zainab Y.
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