Boxing officials and Bamba’s camp under public scrutiny after allowing Bamba to fight an astonishing 14 times in a span of only 12 months
Thirty-five year-old boxer Paul Bamba passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, just six days after winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) gold cruiserweight title by scoring a sixth round (3:00) knockout of Rogelio Luna in Carteret, N.J.
The cause of Bamba’s sudden death is unknown, but it has drawn public attention to the fact that Bamba fought 14 times and 56 rounds of competition in only 12 months.
Bamba earned knockout victories in all of his 14 fights in 2024, setting a new record for the greatest number of knockout wins in a calendar year.
Former two-time world champion Mike Tyson previously held the record with 11 knockouts in 1986.
Bamba’s family released the following 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.”
One month prior to his untimely death, Bamba, who was born in Puerto Rico and resided in New York City, had signed an agreement with recording artist Ne-Yo for the singer to manager Bamba.
In July 2023, Dr. Alina Sharinn, a New York-based neurologist, issued the below letter to express her concern over an MRI of the brain that had been performed on Bamba and that revealed the fighter was experiencing frequent headaches after suffering a concussion:
While the letter was issued over a year ago, it is nonetheless surprising that Bamba would be permitted to fight so frequently in 2024 given his traumatic experience.
Bamba began his professional career in 2021 at age 31, and compiled a career record of 19-3, with 18 of his wins via knockout.
Fajador.co will report further on this matter as the situation develops.
