Professional boxer Paul Bamba – who recently became the first fighter to sign Ne-Yo‘s management company — has died, the singer announced Friday. He was just 35 years old.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives,” Ne-Yo and the Bamba family said in a joint statement.

Bamba had a record of 19-3 over the course of his career… and recently had to admit defeat Rogelio Medina Luna last Saturday in New Jersey to be named WBA gold cruiserweight champion.

After the victory, Bamba shouted Jake Paul … said if the internet superstar wanted to take the sport seriously, he would accept the offer.

Bamba should also fight Tommy Fury in November 2022…but the fight was canceled due to weight issues.

As we reported last month, Bamba recently signed a deal with Ne-Yo’s boxing management company… and he was excited about the partnership.

“It is an honor to work with NE-YO in this capacity and I am grateful for his unwavering trust in me,” Bamba said at the time.

“I know he has the ability to open new doors and create opportunities for me to develop as a fighter. It will be an exciting new chapter.”

Bamba took part in a total of 14 fights in 2024 – all victories in the round of 16.

“He was a passionate but confident competitor with a relentless ambition to achieve greatness. Above all, he was a great human being who inspired many with his extraordinary drive and determination,” the joint statement continued.