Anthony Joshua has voiced his support for Francis Ngannou after the tragic death of his 15-month-old son.
Tributes have poured in for the former UFC heavyweight champion since shocking news emerged from Cameroon that his infant son Kobe had passed away. The heartbreaking news comes just weeks after Ngannou's boxing defeat against Joshua in Saudi Arabia. 'AJ' sent his former opponent a message that read: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”
The cause of death is not yet known and Ngannou's agent Marquel Martin has asked those to respect his privacy at such a difficult moment. "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 wrote. "Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don't have? I'm f****** tired."
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"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. I was my best self next to him and now I have no clude [clue] of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most. 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."
There were endless messages from the boxing and MMA community in support of Ngannou, including former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor. Absolutely gutted reading this Francis! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news. I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again," he wrote.
Saudi royal boxing chief Turki Alalshikh also posted a tribute to Ngannou, as he wrote: "My heart goes out to Francis Ngannou for his loss. May his son's soul rest in peace." Boxing promoter Frank Warren, who promoted Ngannou's fight against Tyson Fury last year, added: "Thoughts and prayers are with Francis Ngannou and his family. Terribly sad news."
Ngannou was one of the UFC's biggest stars before leaving the promotion to pursue a boxing career. The 37-year-old is expected to make his return to MMA after two fights in the ring having signed with the PFL last year in a deal that will also see him spearhead the promotion's launch in Africa.