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      Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor lead the tributes after Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Conor McGregor led the tributes after Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically died. The former UFC champion-turned-heavyweight boxer revealed the devastating news on social media. Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically diedCredit: GettyConor McGregor paid tribute to Ngannou and his familyCredit: GettyAs did former boxing opponent Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyAnd he was met with resounding support from the world of sport. Father-of-four McGregor, 35, replied on X: “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”Absolutely gutted reading this Francis! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news. “I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again.” READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua, who has eight-year-old son JJ, said on Instagram: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, 45, who has five kids, added: “I’m sorry brother. “Can’t imagine the pain and struggle you are going through. Praying for you and your family right now!” Ngannou, 37, shot to fame in the UFC where he became heavyweight champion. Most read in BoxingBut he last year walked out on the MMA powerhouse to pursue boxing, facing British superstars Tyson Fury, 35, and Joshua, 34.He dropped Fury on his boxing debut only to lose a controversial decision before being knocked out in two rounds by AJ in March. Ngannou is believed to have earned within the region of £15m after putting his MMA career on hold to switch to boxing. The Cameroonian keeps much of his personal life private, with the birth of son Kobe also hidden from the public. But Ngannou released a heartbreaking statement following the passing of his boy, which 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. How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?”Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.” More

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      Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies as UFC champion-turned boxer shares heartbreaking post

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU’S 15-month old son Kobe has tragically passed away.The 37-year-old, who recently fought both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, took to X to confirm the heartbreaking news.Francis Ngannou posted a heartbreaking tribute after his 15-month-old son passed awayCredit: AFPNgannou wrote a statement on XCredit: XIn a statement on Ngannou’s X account, he wrote: “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.”How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?”Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”READ MORE ON NGANNOUHe had earlier written on X: “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!?”Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don’t have? I’m f***ing tired.”Little is known about Ngannou’s personal life and it is unclear who the child’s mother is.Fans were quick to share their well-wishes for the boxer amidst the shock news.Most read in BoxingFellow UFC star Conor McGregor wrote: “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”Francis Ngannou’s story from refugee to fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony JoshuaHe was joined by former Ngannou opponent Joshua, who wrote: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”A fellow well-wisher wrote: “No parent should ever have to go through this 💔 My deepest sympathies.”Another fan wrote: “Incredibly sorry for your loss – unimaginable 🙏🏼”Ngannou was UFC heavyweight champion between 2020 and 2023 before he left to pursue a career in boxing.That saw him give Fury an almighty scare in October last year when he dropped the Brit in the fifth round – before narrowly losing on points.That was despite the fight being Ngannou’s first ever professional boxing match.His training saw him strike up a close relationship with boxing legend Mike Tyson, who prepared him for his fight against the Gypsy King.He went on to lose to Joshua in his second professional bout last month.Ngannou’s heartbreaking tribute in fullHEARTBROKEN Francis Ngannou wrote on X after the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son:
      “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.
      “How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?
      “Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”

      Ngannou experienced an incredible rise to stardom in martial arts after facing extreme poverty in his hometown of Batie in Cameroon.Aged nine, he began working in a sand mine alongside his 11-year-old brother to provide for his family.He moved from Cameroon to France aged 26 without a penny to his name to pursue a career in boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter initially being homeless after moving to Europe, he met coach Didier Carmont who let him train and sleep at the boxing gym free of charge.Here, he was first introduced to the sport of MMA which saw him go on to become one of the biggest names in the history of the sport.Inside Francis Ngannou’s incredible rise from childhood in sandmines to boxing stardomBy Jon Boon
      FRANCIS NGANNOU’S remarkable journey to reach the top is one of hope, courage, strength and character, and is symbolic of the fighter he is.
      The Cameroonian has been the heavyweight king of UFC and earned tens of millions in the boxing ring in bouts with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.But he faces much tougher tests in his life that prove he is as resilient as it gets.From a tough start in Cameroon, where he worked in the sand mines as a nine-year-old for just £1.50 a day, to being homeless in Paris, his story is the ultimate tale of survival.Click here to read more about Ngannou’s incredible story More

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      Conor McGregor reignites Paulie Malignaggi feud and says sparring rival got ‘smacked out the gym’ in crazy rant at TV

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      CONOR McGREGOR has reignited his bitter feud with Paulie Malignaggi in a crazy rant at the TV. McGregor welcomed the former boxing world champion into his training camp in 2017 before facing Floyd Mayweather.Paulie Malignaggi sparring Conor McGregor in 2017They sparred twice in the UFC’s Las Vegas base, over eight and then 12 rounds but it was marred in controversy. And it was the second of session that is remembered infamously, as images and footage of the spar leaked.It included a disputed knockdown of Malignaggi, which caused the American to storm out the camp.The two have continued to feud ever since and McGregor took the opportunity to aim a fresh dig at his old rival. READ MORE IN UFCMalignaggi was on presenting duty for bare-knuckle boxing promotion BYB as McGregor, who sounded off.The Irishman filmed the broadcast while watching it on TV and providing his own commentary before sharing it.He said: “You got boxed out of the gym, you little fool. He got smacked out of the gym. He got ran out of Showtime.”You’re hired, lad. Behave. Put a can of stout on his nut! Put a can of Forged Irish Stout on his nut! And two bottles of whiskey on his ears!” Most read in BoxingMalignaggi – who lost his punditry role with Showtime in 2020 – retired from boxing in 2017. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he did fight McGregor’s former training partner Artem Lobov, 37, in a 2019 bare-knuckle bout which he lost on points.McGregor, 35, meanwhile has not boxed since losing his lucrative ring debut to Mayweather, 47. But he does make his anticipated UFC return on June 29 against Michael Chandler, 37, after three years out. McGregor vs Malignaggi: Watch footage from infamous sparring sessions More

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      Watch former world’s strongest man Eddie Hall smash UFC champ and Francis Ngannou’s record for hardest punch

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      EDDIE HALL smashed Alex Pereira and Francis Ngannou’s records for world’s hardest punch.The British strongman put the UFC superstar and the man who dropped Tyson Fury in the shade with his terrifying power.Eddie Hall just broke the world record punch force at the UFC PI 🤯Eddie Hall: 208,901Alex Pereira: 191,796Francis Ngannou: 129,161 pic.twitter.com/X8ksepEW3I— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 25, 2024

      Eddie Hall broke Alex Pereira and Francis Ngannou’s record for world’s hardest punchCredit: X/ufcontntThe machine calculates a score based on numerous factors including strength and speedCredit: X/ufcontntThe UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas has a high-tech machine – known as the ‘Power Cube’ – which measures the force of a hit in units.It calculates a score based on numerous factors including strength and speed.And the world record had previously been held by Ngannou, the UFC-fighter-turned-boxer who narrowly lost to Fury earlier this year, who recorded a score of 129,161 units in 2017.At the time, UFC president Dana White compared it to being hit with the same force as a moving Ford Escort or 12lb sledgehammer. READ MORE IN BOXINGThen, light-heavyweight champ Pereira smashed the record at 191,796.But now former world’s strongest man Hall has blown both out the water by clocking in a stunning score of 208,901.Hall has been in training after being lined up for a stunning four-man MMA tournament in Qatar. He was due to face Mitchell Hooper or Brian Shaw in February – until talks suddenly broke down.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHall, 36, crossed over to boxing in 2022 but was beaten in a super-heavyweight exhibition against rival Hafthor Bjornsson, 35.But he began training with interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, 31, for his MMA debut and revealed he got down to 25 stone.Strongman Eddie Hall gives update on next fight after missing out on ‘life-changing money’ for MMA debutTalks for an MMA fight continue as Hall called out strongmen duo Hooper and Shaw as well as 6ft 8in actor Martyn Ford.Eddie Hall is still teasing an MMA fightCredit: @eddiehallwsm More

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      Jake Paul ‘absolutely’ serious about sending huge $10MILLION offer to MMA icons for debut cage fight

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      JAKE PAUL has the backing to offer Nate Diaz or Jorge Masvidal a huge $10MILLION to fight him in his MMA debut. Paul is 9-1 as a boxer but last year signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League where he will cross over to the cage.Jake Paul offerred Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz $10m to fight him in MMACredit: Professional Fighters League Diaz and Masvidal rematch in boxing after their 2019 UFC fightCredit: FanmioMeanwhile, Masvidal has been granted permission from the UFC to pursue boxing before returning to the octagon after.He takes to the ring for the first time on June 1 against Nate Diaz, 39, beaten over ten boxing rounds by Paul last year.Masvidal, 39, won their 2019 UFC bout after Diaz was pulled out by the cageside doctor amid a horror cut – but they will now rematch in boxing. The pair put aside their feud to mutually chant “f*** Jake Paul” alongside a raucous Las Vegas press conference crowd.READ MORE IN MMAPaul responded to the heckling by brazenly offering both Masvidal and Diaz a deal worth $10m (£8m) to fight him in the PFL cage. And PFL CEO Peter Murray admitted the big-money offer is justified. Murray told SunSport: “We know what that fight will command. It’s one of the biggest events in MMA.”Absolutely, in terms of the draw in terms of the internet so that’s what it’s all about.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s training, he’s building it up and there’s a line of top MMA fighters who would like that chance and that opportunity.”And with discussions with Jake we’ll determine who we think is the biggest opponent and event.”The Sun’s Wally Downes Jr fumes as Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson CONFIRMED with ‘biggest fight of the 21st century’ to be shown live on NetflixPaul, 27, returns on July 20 in Texas against boxing icon Mike Tyson, 57, in a controversial clash scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.It looks to have delayed his debut in MMA – but the American has a custom-built cage in his gym which he has used to prepare for the switch. Murray revealed: “He’s got the PFL SmartCage directly on his compound in Puerto Rico.”Obviously, he’s super focussed on boxing right now with the Mike Tyson fight coming up.”But he’s committed to making his debut and we’re excited.”Jake Paul and Mike Tyson facing offCredit: @jakepaul More

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      Francis Ngannou’s secret football link revealed… but MMA star won’t switch sports again with cage return set

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has a secret link to football back home in Cameroon – but he will not be switching sports again. Ngannou walked out on the UFC last year to swap MMA for boxing – but did so after signing with the Professional Fighters League.Francis Ngannou playing football for a local Cameroonian teamCredit: @francisngannouNgannou even has ownership in a football teamCredit: @francisngannouThe MMA star went back to Cameroon on holiday after his recent boxing lossCredit: @francisngannouThe PFL gave the green light for the move to boxing and the ex-UFC champion faced Tyson Fury, 35, in October.He sensationally dropped the unbeaten heavyweight boxer only to lose a controversial split-decision.Ngannou then faced Fury’s British rival Anthony Joshua, 34, in March but it ended in a sickening second-round knockout loss.And the successive boxing defeat looks to have sent the heavyweight hero, 37, back to MMA for his next bout.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut first he went back to Cameroon for a holiday and took the chance to play some local football for Sable F.C de Batie.And PFL CEO Peter Murray revealed Ngannou is such a big fan that he co-owns a football side in his homeland. But he does not fear losing the 6ft 4in powerhouse to an all-new sport for a second time. Murray told SunSport: “I don’t think he’s going to hit the pitch. He does have ownership in a Cameroonian football club.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s quite passionate about it, he may be quiet about it but he definitely supports that franchise.”Brazilian Renan Ferreira, 34, knocked out ex-UFC heavyweight Ryan Bader, 40, in 20 seconds in February.Anthony Joshua gets grilled by a nine year old in interviewNgannou was in attendance in Saudi Arabia for the lightning-quick finish – where it was announced he will face Ferreira in his cage comeback. It will mark Ngannou’s debut fight for the PFL and his first in MMA since January 2022 – with September in Saudi eyed for the occasion. More

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      Paige VanZant looks ready to destroy Elle Brooke tomorrow as she shows off stunning physique in poolside snaps

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      PAIGE VANZANT showed Elle Brooke what she hopes the Brit influencer will be missing – her toned body.The ex-UFC star aims to stop Elle raining blows on her tanned torso when they finally meet in in a boxing ring on May 25.Paige VanZant has sent a visual warning to Elle BrookeCredit: Instagram @paigevanzantThe American still has a month before the big fightCredit: Instagram @paigevanzantFellow influencer Elle is lying in wait for PaigeCredit: InstagramAnd judging by her rippling physique, mean look and enthusiastic  backing from fans, the renowned wrestler is already in perfect nick.Nonetheless many of Paige’s admirers preferred to focus on other factors as they assessed the pool-side pics she shared in a bikini.Verdicts such as “just perfect” … “beautiful” … damn” … and “omg” flew in faster than Oleksandr Usyk in peak jabbing mode.And one follower seemed to miss the point of Paige’s display of bulging biceps.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe posted: “No need to flex. You’re so much sexier when you don’t.”Another said: “Paige I love you, you’re so amazing.”In one sense, upcoming rival Brooke feels the same The Brit has long regarded Paige or fellow American MMA icon Ronda Rousey as her dream opponents – and now that’s coming true.Most read in BoxingBrooke, 26, and 30-year-old VanZant have one major thing in common – both having earned financial riches as OnlyFans creators.But the Manchester City fan from Surrey is building up a useful record in the ring.Elle Brooke’s 10 most liked Instagram postsElle’s five fights include four wins – two by knockout – and just one defeat.Her last victim, in January, was AJ Bunker.And she will again come out swinging against Paige next month.VanZant, of course, has a greater fighting pedigree, albeit not in boxing.She’s recorded eight wins and seven losses across UFC and the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.And if her current physique is anything to go by, she’s shaping up to give her influencer-rival a painful lesson.The social media star isn’t looking for peace against ElleCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskPaige has amassed 3.1m Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @paigevanzantPaige hopes she doesn’t freeze on the nightCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant More

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      ‘I would kick your f***king kneecap off’, fumes Jorge Masvidal in response to ‘coward’ Jake Paul’s $10m MMA fight offer

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      JORGE MASVIDAL has brutally shot down Jake Paul’s offer to take their rivalry to the MMA cage. Paul is 9-1 as a boxer but signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League to debut in MMA. Jorge Masvidal brutally hit out at Jake Paul’s offer to fight in MMACredit: GettyJake Paul propsed a $10m offer to fight Masvidal in the PFL cageMeanwhile, Masvidal has been granted permission from the UFC to pursue boxing before returning to the octagon after. He takes to the ring for the first time on June 1 against Nate Diaz, 39, beaten over ten boxing rounds by Paul last year. The pair put aside their feud to mutually chant “f*** Jake Paul” alongside a raucous Las Vegas crowd. And Paul replied online: “Two of the biggest names in MMA can’t keep my name out their mouth at their press conference that nobody watched. READ MORE IN MMA”Nate already got his ass beat by me & Jorge is literally permitted by UFC to box anyone but me because Dana knows I will put his little ass to sleep. “Already told both of these bozos to come see me in PFL bc in boxing they got no shot. $10M for either of them.” Paul, 27, returns on July 20 in Texas against boxing icon Mike Tyson, 57, in a controversial clash scrutinised over the 30-year age gap. And Masvidal, 39, did not hold back in response to the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s proposed MMA deal. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said on the MMA Hour: “Jake runs up on me somewhere else where it’s not a ring or something you can find out bro. “You’re talking about the PFL, the f*** are you going to do in MMA? Are you kidding me? You can’t even box. Watch truly bizarre way Jake Paul announces Katie Taylor’s Netflix fight vs Amanda Serrano that sums up mad boxing world “Now you’re going to fight in MMA? I would kick your f***ing kneecap off your fragile body. “You dumb motherf***er, don’t bring up MMA ever you disrespectful piece of s***.” More