Boxing champion announces tragic death of 18 month old son in heartbreaking statement
The 18-month-old son of Francis Ngannou has tragically died.
The former UFC star and current boxer confirmed the devastating news on social media.
"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 posted on X.
"Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don't have? I'm f****** tired," he concluded.
The cause of death is not yet known, with those close to the boxer sharing their messages of condolences.
Conor McGregor told his former UFC colleague, "I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time."
The 37-year-old athlete was considering his next steps after losing to Anthony Joshua in his second professional boxing match, but will likely now take some time away to grieve.
The US Mirror reports how Francis overcame huge obstacles to reach where he is today after growing up in poverty in Batie, Cameroon, and working from the age of ten.
The sports star had little education due to his working commitments as he provided for his family, working in a sand quarry.
He avoided pressure to join gangs and instead pursued a career as a fighter. At the age of 26, he headed to Europe in an attempt to fulfill his dreams.
Francis was jailed for illegally crossing the Spanish border, and when he eventually made it to Paris, France, his intended destination, he was homeless before finding a boxing club.
Boxing trainer Didier Carmont introduced him to MMA and convinced him to focus on that over boxing, and after impressing with a 5-1 record in France, he was signed to the UFC. Ngannou went on to become heavyweight champion but controversially left the company despite being offered a record contract, as he wanted freedom and better pay.
Ngannou showed his character by fighting both Tyson Fury and Joshua in his first two bouts, coming close to beating Fury but suffering a brutal knockout against Joshua. However, he made approximately $30 million (£23.88 million) from those two fights, justifying his decision.
The Cameroonian has always wanted to use his success to provide for his family and give back to his local community back in Africa. Ngannou opened the first MMA gym in Cameroon and now has 26,000 beneficiaries from his foundation that donates educational materials to children and schools.
