Combat legend Francis Ngannou has announced the tragic passing of his 15-month-old son on social media.
Ngannou has become a global star in the wake of his appearances in the boxing ring in the last year. The former UFC heavyweight champion was already one of the most celebrated names in mixed martial arts before he made the switch to boxing in 2023.
In his first ever bout he took on the WBC champion Tyson Fury and pushed him hard over 10 rounds out in Saudi Arabia. He even knocked Fury down in the third round which has since caused many to wonder if Fury has begun to decline or if he simply had a bad night and underestimated the French-Cameroonian.
After that impressive debut from Ngannou, he secured a second huge fight with former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, also out in Saudi Arabia, in March. That fight didn’t go as well and saw him knocked down hard twice before being conclusively knocked out in the second round.
On Monday, he took to social media to pay tribute to his late son and share a black and white photo, though he did not reveal the cause of death.
“Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s lying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.
“How do you deal with such a thing How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”
Ngannou, 37, also questioned the purpose of life.
“What’s the purpose of life if what we’re fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!?”
Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick, also posted a message of support.
“It’s been a heavy few days, words can’t express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time. Please keep Francis and his family in your heart, and may this be a reminder of the fragility of life. Say ‘I love you,’ more often, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”
The thoughts of everyone at Boxing Social go out to Ngannou and his family at this difficult time.
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