Paul Bamba had simply etched his title into the boxing world. Since 2022, he had steadily risen to prominence and even broke Mike Tyson‘s file for probably the most boxing wins in a single yr. Consequently, Bamba probably elevated his earnings, internet value and general standing as a rising boxing star. However simply six days after profitable the world championship title, the 35-year-old instantly died in December 2024. Bamba’s supervisor, Ne-Yo, and his household confirmed the information in an announcement.
“It’s with profound sorrow that we introduced the passing of beloved son, brother, buddy and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose mild and love touched numerous lives,” the announcement from Ne-Yo and Bamba’s household learn. “He was a fierce but assured competitor with an unrelenting ambition to realize greatness. However greater than something, he was an amazing person who impressed many together with his distinctive drive and willpower. We’re heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privateness and understanding throughout this tough time as we collectively navigate our grief.”
Be taught extra about Bamba and his profession right here.
Who Was Paul Bamba?
Bamba was a cruiserweight and lightweight heavyweight boxer. With 18 wins by a knockout underneath his belt, the Puerto Rico native was on his strategy to worldwide fame. In 2022, Bamba opened up about his journey after shifting to New York Metropolis “to make it in life,” he wrote in a prolonged Instagram caption.
“Once I look again and keep in mind I needed to sleep by the range for heat, hand wash then dry my garments within the oven (low temps work promise) eat MANY uncomfortable sleeps for dinner — And when that wasn’t sufficient, dwell on the trains of New York Metropolis totaling 15 months (6 prepare & 7 at one level) — I notice I’m actually simply constructed for regardless of the f**ok is thrown at me, and I set my sights on [sic],” Bamba wrote.
The late fighter added that his childhood dream was to turn into a boxer.
“I notice I’ve all the time been the underdog & that’s okay, ’trigger so long as I bust my ass & maintain myself ACCOUNTABLE, ultimately it WILL all pan out [sic],” he added. “I say that to say this: NOTHING is ideal and by no means will likely be. The time to behave is all the time NOW, questioning what if is far more painful than struggling by way of the method, YOUR PROCESS. In case you have a DREAM, go CHASE it. Embrace your battle. Wager on your self and DEFY the percentages. In case you’re alone like I used to be by way of some insufferable issues, perceive your biggest strengths lie inside YOU ready to floor!”
What Was Paul Bamba’s Internet Price?
It’s unclear the place Bamba’s internet value stands. Nevertheless, boxers are likely to make between a whole bunch of hundreds of {dollars} to tens of millions of {dollars} after profitable a world title, particularly towards well-known fighters. So, it’s probably that Bamba racked up a couple of hundred thousand {dollars} after establishing himself as a powerful boxer. Nevertheless, his actual earnings are nonetheless unknown.
In 2022, Bamba’s struggle towards Tommy Fury was known as off on account of a weight dispute. On the time, fellow boxer Jake Paul advocated for Bamba and demanded that he obtain truthful compensation.
One factor I’m by no means going to do is do enterprise with individuals who don’t deal with fighters properly. Pay Paul Bamba. https://t.co/wWIiW1Ubcb
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 23, 2022
In an alternate over X, Bamba and Paul mentioned pay disparities within the boxing world. Bamba tweeted to Paul, “They don’t pay, they usually deal with fighters very badly. I do know you gained’t have the cash points with them however others will down the highway. You’ll be co-signing them in the event you do it.”
In response to Bamba, Paul tweeted, “One factor I’m by no means going to do is do enterprise with individuals who don’t deal with fighters properly. Pay Paul Bamba.”
How Did Paul Bamba Die?
Bamba’s official reason behind loss of life has not been publicly disclosed, however as followers grieve his loss, many are speculating about how he died.
Three months earlier than Bamba died, his match in September was canceled on the final minute on account of an “unexpected medical difficulty,” Rising Star Promotions revealed in an announcement on Instagram. It’s nonetheless unclear what the well being difficulty was and whom RSP was referring to in its announcement.