Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba has died at the age of 35, his manager and family have announced, six days after he claimed the WBA Gold cruiserweight title.
Bamba was managed by American singer Ne-Yo, who confirmed the boxer's death in a statement. No cause of death was announced.
"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 said in a statement.
"He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination."
— NE-YO (@NeYoCompound) December 27, 2024
Bamba, who had a 19-3 record with 18 knockouts, won all 14 bouts this year by knockout, beating Mexico's Rogelio Medina last weekend in New Jersey to win the WBA Gold Cruiserweight belt.
"This year I set out with a goal. I did just that," Bamba had written in his last Instagram post. "Wasn't easy there were many obstacles that I adapted to overcame and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances."