Kobe, the 15-month-old son of heavyweight boxer Francis Ngannou, has passed away. 

On Monday night, the former UFC champion wrote on X, saying, "It's too soon to say goodbye, but he's gone."

"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 did not answer.

"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."


In an online post, Marquel Martin, the fighter's manager, said he and "millions of others" will pray for the Cameroonian. 

The 37-year-old boxer and former mixed martial arts (MMA) star received condolences from several fighters and fans, including Conor McGregor. 

The Irishman responded on X, "I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time." 

Anthony Joshua decisively defeated Ngannou in their most recent fight in Saudi Arabia. After the match, he rejected the idea of returning to MMA, where he first gained notoriety.