Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor send best wishes to Francis Ngannou after tragic death of 15-month-old son
The boxing and MMA communities have come together to send their best wishes to Francis Ngannou following the tragic death of his 15-month-old son, Kobe.
The 37-year-old paid tribute to his young child in a heartbreaking post after the tragic news emerged.
Quick to show their support have been figures from across the world of sport with Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor among those posting messages online.
Joshua, who fought Ngannou in a heavyweight boxing contest earlier this year, posted on Instagram: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”
McGregor wrote: “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”
A loss to the entire combat sports community.#TopRank sends their condolences to Francis Ngannou and his loved ones 🙏 pic.twitter.com/MyiKQHfVFg
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 29, 2024
My heart goes out to @francis_ngannou for his loss. May his son's soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/a8eoWO7ImI
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) April 29, 2024
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. ❤️ https://t.co/V6QVzbXKVi
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) April 29, 2024
Real Madrid footballer Aurelien Tchouameni was another to send his love after Ngannou’s message of anguish to his social media accounts.
“Be strong my brother,” he commented.
UFC fighter Calvin Kattar posted: “Deepest condolences to you and your family.”
Boxing promoter Frank Warren added: “Thoughts and prayers are with Francis Ngannou and his family. Terribly sad news.”
Marvin Vettori wrote: “Sorry to hear Francis. My deepest condolence.”
Henry Cejudo posted: “I’m so sorry for your loss Francis. Losing family is the hardest thing a human can go through in life. We don’t have the answer but one day you’ll meet again. We love you my brother.”
Dillon Danis added: “Sorry brother stay strong.”
No further details or cause of death have been confirmed.
In the aftermath of the news emerging, Ngannou wrote of his grief in a pair of social media statements.
“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!?” wrote Ngannou.
“Why is life so unfair and merciless?
“Why does life always take what we don't have? I'm f*****g tired.”
He later posted a photo of himself with his son, with the caption: “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 clue who I am. Life is so unfair to his 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.”