Boxer Paul Bamba made brain damage admission just weeks before tragic death

In a poignant revelation before his tragic death, former champion boxer Paul Bamba admitted to facing harrowing challenges ahead of his April 2023 fight against Chris Avila.

Bamba, who claimed the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title in New Jersey after defeating Rogelio Medina, had set a new knockout record previously held by Mike Tyson, notching his 14th within 2024. The American fighter, with Puerto Rican roots, boasted a professional record of 19-3.

He cherished a close friendship with singer NE-YO and had the distinction of being the first athlete signed to the star's management company. In a sombre announcement from NE-YO and Bamba's family, they expressed their deep sorrow over the fighter's passing aged 35, stating: "It is with profound sorrow that we announced the passing of 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 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's final weeks were marked by a candid admission on X - the platform formerly known as Twitter, where he laid bare the extent of his sacrifice; losing 22lbs in three days and enduring a concussion that led to minor brain damage, showcasing the intense physical toll of his sport, reports the Mirror.

In a post shared on X, a fan took a dig at Bamba last month, stating: "Least he had the balls to fight AT. You got slapped by him and he gave you 'brain damage' lol.''

Clearly irked by the