ESPN's official announcement for the 'Fighter of the Year' award

Boxer Paul Bamba Dies at 35, Six Days After Defeating Rogelio Medina for 14th Win in 2024

Dec 28, 2024, 01:56 PM

Paul Bamba, a professional boxer from Puerto Rico, has died at the age of 35, just six days after winning the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title. Bamba achieved this victory against Rogelio Medina, marking his 14th win of the year, which also set a record for the most fights in a calendar year, surpassing Mike Tyson's previous record. His manager, singer Ne-Yo, confirmed the news of Bamba's passing, expressing sorrow over the loss of a fighter known for his exceptional drive. Bamba's death has shocked the boxing community, especially given his recent accomplishments and his plans for a future fight against Jake Paul in 2025. The boxing world mourns the loss of a promising athlete who had made significant strides in his career shortly before his untimely death.