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In Memoriam: Fallen Sports Stars of 2024
The boxing world has lost a champion.
Paul Bamba, one of the first boxers to sign with Ne-Yo's management company, died at age 35.
"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," a joint statement from the singer-turned-manager and the Bamba family shared on Instagram Dec. 27 read. "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," the post continued. "We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief."
Bamba's cause of death was not disclosed.
News of the athlete's passing comes six days after his win against Rogelio Medina Luna for the WBA Gold Cruiserweight World Champion title. Bamba, who made his professional boxing debut in 2021, signed with Ne-Yo shortly before the fight.
For Ne-Yo, he wanted Bamba on his team purely based on "belief in the fighter."
“Realizing places I could help him, realizing places he could help me, it all made sense," the 45-year-old told NBC News last month. "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t shoot."
Ne-Yo said he was also impressed by Bamba's "drive and dedication to a cause."
"Everybody wants something handed to them," he added. "Everybody wants it the quick and easy way. And Paul Bamba is not one of them cats."
Instagram/Paul Bamba
One month before his death, Bamba reflected on his boxing journey, sharing that he's "come a long way."
"When I look back and remember I had to sleep by the stove for warmth, hand wash then dry my clothes in the oven," he wrote in a Nov. 30 Instagram post. "I realize I’m really just built for whatever the f--k is thrown at me and I set my sights on. Some people want it handed to them and some people WANT IT. ADVERSITY is nourishing food for those strong enough to digest it."
Calling boxing a "childhood dream," he added, "I realize I’ve always been the underdog & that’s ok, nothings perfect I’m learning on the go, l as long as I bust my ass & hold myself ACCOUNTABLE eventually it WILL all pan out."
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
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