Francis Ngannou announced late Monday that his 15-month-old son, Kobe, had died.
The French-Cameroonian boxer and former mixed martial artist wrote on social media platform X: “It's too early to leave, but he's gone anyway.
“My little boy, my spouse, my partner Kobe, were full of life and joy.
“He is now lying lifeless. I screamed his name over and over again but he did not respond.
“I was my best self next to him and now I have no idea who I am. Life is so unfair that it hits me where it hurts the most,” Ngannou added.
Ngannou was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia last month, his second loss at heavyweight after switching from MMA.
Ngannou knocked out world champion Tyson Fury in a controversial points loss in his first professional boxing bout in Saudi Arabia last October.
Hours before revealing Kobe's death, Ngannou posted on X without mentioning his son, “What I'm fighting so hard to escape finally ends up in me.'' What is the purpose of life if it is the thing that hurts us the most?
“Why is life so unfair and unforgiving?”
The fighting world responded with messages of condolence.
“I am so sorry to hear of Francis' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time,” fellow UFC fighter Conor McGregor wrote on X.
The player's manager, Markel Martin, posted: “Please respect @francis_ngannou and his family during this traumatic time. I join millions of others in wishing them strength.” .
Veteran ring announcer Michael Buffer said on social media: “The entire world, not just the sports world, is devastated and painfully supportive of Francisco at this point.”
“Please know that millions of us are holding little Kobe in our prayers.”
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