
American boxing champion Paul Bamba has died at the age of 35.
He became the WBA world champion at cruiserweight just this month and is set to face Jake Paul and Tommy Fury in upcoming fights, The Sun reports. Bamba became the champion by defeating Rogelio Medina just last weekend.
With this achievement he broke a record set by Mike Tyson for most wins in a calendar year by knockout, with 14. Bamba, whose cause of death has not been revealed, held a record of 19 wins and 3 draws during his career.
He was friends with pop star NE-YO and became the first to sign with his management company. NE-YO and Bamba's family released a joint statement on the boxer's passing.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives. He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unyielding ambition to achieve greatness."
"But more than anything he was an extraordinary individual who inspired many with his extraordinary determination. We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time," the statement said.