ANTHONY JOSHUA posted a picture in solidarity with new UFC champ Francis Ngannou.
The British heavyweight boxing star, 31, took to Instagram to share similar photos of his title parade in his parents’ homeland Nigeria two years ago after Ngannou’s own parade in Cameroon.
The Predator secured a second-round knockout win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in March to win the heavyweight championship title.
And he took to the streets of Douala for an incredible party parade.
Ngannou took his mum along for the ride too and he even put the belt on her during the wild celebrations.
He shared plenty of photos and videos from the day to his 2.7million followers on Instagram.
Among them, the first Cameroonian UFC fighter was snapped waving to the crowds from an open truck.
Fans lined the streets hoping to get a glimpse and a touch of the heavyweight hero.
Ngannou wrote: “This moment is something I have been waiting for.
“It is hard to put this feeling in to words. The belt is back home where it belongs.
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“Dream come true – placing the belt on my Mom.”
Ngannou’s incredible story included fighting rats for food, two two-hour journeys to get to school on an empty stomach and working at a sand mine before fleeing to France and earning his break, initially in boxing.
Now a world champion and recognised across the world, he keeps himself humble and regularly returns to his homeland, visiting the places and people who have shaped him.
The Cameroonian sensation had not even been UFC champ for a week when he turned his attention to a crossover fight with boxing giants Joshua and Tyson Fury after taking inspiration from Mike Tyson.
And WBC king Fury returned the call-out with an explosive social media rant on Wednesday – before also challenging WWE’s Drew McIntyre and Joshua once again.
He said on Instagram: “This is a message to Francis Ngannou and the UFC guys: Look, if you want some of this Gypsy King money, you know where to come find it.
“You want some of this Gypsy King power, I’ll give it ya.
“Any time, any place, anywhere. Seven days a week and twice on a Sunday you big ugly dosser.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
