By Tata Mbunwe
Boxing star and former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou, has lost his 15-month-old son, Kobe, who died on Saturday, April 27, under unclear circumstances.
“Too soon to leave but he’s gone,” said Ngannou in a heartbreaking message shared on his social media handles on Monday evening.
Visibly, Ngannou shared a strong filial attachment with his third and youngest child whom he described as “my partner”.
“My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s lying 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 of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most,” said Ngannou.
Earlier this month, the former UFC champion accompanied football legend Samuel Eto’o to bury the latter’s father who died last year.
Ngannou has been in his native home in Cameroon’s West Region since losing his boxing fight with Anthony Joshua in March.
His tribute to Kobe attracted sympathies from fans across the world. Irish professional boxer, Conor McGregor, is among the first to send condolences to Ngannou.
“I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time,” McGregor wrote, reacting to Ngannou’s tribute on X, formerly Twitter.
