STAR TRAGEDY
Francis Ngannou’s heartbreaking tribute in full as Fury and Joshua’s boxing rival loses son aged just 15 months
Fellow UFC stars and fans have paid tribute
FRANCIS NGANNOU paid tribute to "My little boy, my mate, my partner" after his 15-month-old son Kobe passed away today.
The UFC star turned boxer, who recently fought Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, paid a heartbreaking tribute after the tragic loss.
3
3
3
Taking to social media, he wrote: "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 laying 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?
READ MORE ON NGANNOU
"Please help me if you have any idea because I really don't know what to do and how to deal with this."
His tribute came after he earlier wrote on X: "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!?
"Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don't have? I'm f***ing tired."
Very little is known about Ngannou's personal life and it is not known who Kobe's mother is.
Most read in MMA
Conor McGregor was first to pay tribute to Ngannou's son, writing: "No parent should ever have to go through this 💔 My deepest sympathies."
He was joined by Ngannou's former opponent Joshua, who wrote: "May the memories you shared bring you comfort."
Francis Ngannou's story from refugee to fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua
Ngannou's heartbreaking tribute in full
HEARTBROKEN Francis Ngannou wrote on X after the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son:
"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 laying 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 any idea because I really don't know what to do and how to deal with this."
They were joined by many fans who sent their condolences after the shock news.
One fan wrote: "Stay strong, Francis. Surround yourself with loved ones as much as you possibly can. The world is here for you."
Another commented: "My Condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🕊️"
While a third posted: "Rest in peace 🙏Prayers and thoughts are with you from all your supporters bro… God bless ❤️"
Ngannou held the title of UFC Heavyweight champion between 2020 and 2023.
He then left the organisation before pursuing a career in boxing.
Last year, he very nearly shocked the boxing world when he downed Tyson Fury in the fifth round of their bout.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
He went on to lose that match by decision.
In his second professional boxing match, he was beaten by Anthony Joshua.
Inside Francis Ngannou's incredible rise from childhood in sandmines to boxing stardom
By Jon Boon
FRANCIS NGANNOU’S remarkable journey to reach the top is one of hope, courage, strength and character, and is symbolic of the fighter he is.
The Cameroonian has been the heavyweight king of UFC and earned tens of millions in the boxing ring in bouts with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
But he faces much tougher tests in his life that prove he is as resilient as it gets.
From a tough start in Cameroon, where he worked in the sand mines as a nine-year-old for just £1.50 a day, to being homeless in Paris, his story is the ultimate tale of survival.
Click here to read more about Ngannou’s incredible story
Topics