Francis Ngannou posts heartbreaking plea in tribute after tragic death of 15-month-old son

The 15-month-old son of UFC and boxing star Francis Ngannou has died.

Following news of the tragic incident emerging from Ngannou’s home country of Cameroon, the 37-year-old posted a heartbreaking response 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!?” 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 tribute to his son where his anguish was painfully clear. It read: “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.”

No further detail or cause of death has been released at this stage but Ngannou’s post showed that his son, Kobe, was born in January of last year and died on Saturday.

Fans and figures from the boxing, MMA and wider sporting communities have expressed their support for Ngannou.

Former opponent Anthony Joshua posted: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”

“I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time,” wrote former UFC world champion Conor McGregor.

Boxing promoter Frank Warren posted online: “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.”

Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick also commented on the tragedy via his social media. He wrote: “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.”

Ngannou won the UFC heavyweight title before switching to boxing for fights with Tyson Fury and Joshua, and is next due to appear in the Professional Fighters League.

The Cameroonian is well known for his rags-to-riches story which saw him earn £1.50-a-day as a child labourer before living homeless in Paris and eventually making it as a cage-fighting champion after being spotted in a gym.