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Champion boxer Paul Bamba, 35, dies just 6 days after further beating Mike Tyson's 38-year-old record

darshan desai
Uncrowned
·2 min read
Old boxing gloves lay on the wooden floor. The concept of retirement.
Paul Bamba died on Friday. (Photo via Getty Images)

Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba, 35, tragically died on Friday evening, his manager Ne-Yo confirmed. The cause of death is currently unknown.

Bamba (19-3, 18 KOs) fought on 14 occasions in 2024 and won all of the fights by knockout. The feat set the record for the most knockout wins in a calendar year, breaking Mike Tyson's 38-year-old record of 11 knockouts in 1986.

Bamba stopped Rogelio Medina Luna in the sixth round on Dec. 21 to win the WBA gold cruiserweight championship in his final bout, which took place just six days before his sudden death.

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Bamba's family announced his death in a statement.

"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 competent 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."

"We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief."

Bamba had previously been scheduled to fight Tommy Fury in November 2022, but the bout was called off by the event organizers, Global Titans, at the final minute after Fury weighed 6.8 pounds heavier than Bamba. Bamba claimed at the time that he agreed for the match to take place at the light heavyweight limit of 175 pounds, while Fury claimed his contract included a different weight maximum.

Just a month before his death, Bamba signed a managerial deal with American singer Ne-Yo. After winning the WBA gold title, he called out Jake Paul and offered Paul a shot at his belt to legitimize the American superstar's boxing career.

Paul didn't respond to the callout but paid tribute to Bamba's death on social media.

"RIP Paul Bamba," Paul wrote on X.