Last month, Ne-Yo signed boxer Paul Bamba as part of his new management venture. However, things have taken an unfortunate turn, TMZ reports. According to a joint statement released by Ne-Yo and Bamba’s family on Instagram, Bamba has died at only 35 years old. However, the cause of death has yet to be revealed. “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,” the statement read.
The statement continues: “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, who held a 19-3 throughout his short career, recently became the WBA Gold Cruiserweight world champion after defeating Rogelio Medina Luna.
Ne-Yo Opens Up About Why Monogamy Isn’t For Him
In November, Ne-Yo sat down with the Lemon Drop show, revealing that a weight had been “lifted” since accepting that monogamy is not for him. Earlier this year, the singer finalized his divorce from Crystal Renay earlier. “I realized that I had not been living my truth for a very, very long time,” he shared. “I’m living it now, and you can tell: my skin is glowing. I’m in a great space — mentally, emotionally, and everything else.”
Ne-Yo acknowledged societal pressures to conform to traditional relationships, saying, “Society tells you that you’re supposed to be with one person. You get married, and y’all supposed to be together forever. […] Monogamy’s for you? It’s not for me. I know this now, and it’s like a weight lifted off my shoulders.” The singer also admitted that he spent years pretending to be someone he wasn’t, which he now regrets. “I spent so much time lying and trying to be somebody that I wasn’t for the sake of somebody else. Complete and utter time wasted […] I don’t have to lie anymore, and I’ll be damned if I ever go back to [being] that person.”
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