MMA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Fans say ‘I’ll actually buy the PPV now’ as Mike Tyson’s replacement for Jake Paul fight ‘confirmed’

      by

      BOXING fans rejoiced after a UFC legend claimed he was the backup for Mike Tyson against Jake Paul.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul is due to take on the heavyweight icon in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.Mike Tyson suffered a health scare before his fight with Jake PaulCredit: GettyBut the fight appeared in doubt when Tyson suffered a health scare due to an ulcer flare up.Immediately, the likes of boxer Ryan Garcia and ex-UFC star Mike Perry hinted they would be up for replacing Iron Mike.But MMA cult hero Chael Sonnen went a step further by claiming he was already contracted as the substitute opponent.Sonnen, 47, posted online: “I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson’s backup, wasn’t it???READ MORE ON MIKE TYSON”If Jake Paul realises he might be fighting ME in a month, HE may be the one having a heart attack.”It sparked a mixed response online as one said: “I wasn’t planning on buying the pay-per-view, but I’d buy this one.”Another added: “Tyson should sit this one out so you can show him how the bad guy does it.” But one hit back: “In your dreams.”Most read in BoxingChael Sonnen said he was a replacement for TysonCredit: GettyCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSonnen, who has 31–17–1 MMA record, is due to make his boxing debut on June 15 against old UFC rival Anderson Silva. But the American – nicknamed The Bad Guy – is a serial troll known for his outlandish claims and brags. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson showcase their jacked physiques ahead of insane body transformations And, despite Tyson’s medical emergency, SunSport has been informed the bout will NOT be effected. Paul followed up by posting: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed.”Tyson, 57, suffered the scare when flying from Miami to LA after becoming nauseous and dizzy.Paramedics rushed to the plane to provide medical assistance to the legendary boxer, who later made a recovery.You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed.Jake PaulTyson prepares to fight as a professional for the first time since 2005 despite returning for an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in 2020. But his bout against 9-1 Paul is officially sanctioned as Iron Mike spoke out for the first time since his medical incident. He jibed: “Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Paige VanZant shows off gruesome injury after Elle Brooke fight as OnlyFans star reveals location for Misfits rematch

      by

      PAIGE VANZANT was left with battered knuckles as a result of her epic fight against Elle Brooke – with a rematch already in the works. The ex-UFC contender was floored in the first round by OnlyFans star-turned boxer Brooke in their Misfits Boxing headliner in Texas.Paige VanZant was left with battered knuckles as a result of her epic fight against Elle BrookeCredit: @paigevanzantThe OnlyFans stars are heading for a rematchBut VanZant recovered well to claw back a draw on the judges scorecards. Both agreed to a “big money rematch” after the scorecards failed to split them over five rounds. And Misfits co-founder Mams Taylor – also manager to KSI – revealed the rematch was heading for the UK. VanZant, who showed off her bruised hands, is up for the challenge and ready to return the favour by heading to Brooke’s back yard this time. READ MORE IN BOXINGShe said on Instagram: “Obviously, we didn’t get the result that we predicted last night. “I really thought that I did enough at the end. My whole team thought we did enough. “I think a lot of people did. The judging: a little bit nuts. But it looks like it sets up the perfect rematch.”I’ve just got to go on her turf and take the belt there. So I’ll see all of you guys in London.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Thank you guys, Misfits this was an incredible experience. Obviously not hurt or injured. I do think that my jab was landing a little bit. “So I’m just waiting for the bruise to heal, but should be back to camp and I’m excited. Let’s do this one more time.”Ebanie Bridges slams Elle Brooke’s ‘bulls’ draw against Paige VanZant but hails her ‘baby’ for epic fight More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      I was feared street fighter named The B***** who survived being shot and stabbed – now I’m out for bare-knuckle stardom

      by

      DANNY CHRISTIE was once a feared street fighter who survived being shot and stabbed – but now he is out for bare-knuckle boxing success. Christie, from Carlisle, boxed as an amateur from the age of 11, winning county titles and ending with a 13-6 record. Danny Christie was a former feared street fighter before turning to bare-knuckle boxingCredit: @danny_tb_christieChristie is signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting ChampionshipCredit: @danny_tb_christieChristie revealed he survived being shot and stabbedCredit: @danny_tb_christieBut his reputation as a brawler was instead gained on the cobbles, where he very nearly lost his life. Christie, 39, told SunSport: “I suppose I did have a reputation on the street, but it’s nothing to be proud of. “I don’t have any regrets, but if I could go back in time I would change a few things.  “Just generally the way I carried myself, being nuisance, starting trouble. READ MORE IN BOXING”But moreover I’ve hurt one or two people unnecessarily – and any pain, prison, heartache, violent encounters and near death experiences that I’ve caused myself I can live with, that’s on me.”But it doesn’t sit as nicely knowing I’ve caused people pain unnecessarily. “I’ve been shot in the back once and stabbed three times and I was airlifted to get a blood transfusion, that was a close call. “Thank God I’m still here. It didn’t change me at the time because I was in the grip of active addiction.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChristie – who spent 12 weeks in prison aged 34 for harassing a rival – never had a professional fighting career in his sights. But after a video of a brutal organised fight between Christie and an opponent went viral bare-knuckle promoters came calling. Conor McGregor touted for brutal bare-knuckle boxing switch after UFC star strikes deal with BKFCHe revealed: “I first became a professional fighter at the age of 37. “I had a bit of an altercation around where I live with someone, we had a straightener in the gym in Manchester and that fight went viral. “We had millions of hits and the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship reached out and offered me a contract.” Christie – a former sparring partner of Tommy Fury’s – has since recorded four wins and one loss and earned the nickname The B*****d.He explained: “There’s a b****d inside of me that comes out on fight night, so the nickname fits.”Christie opened up on the difference between competing in the ring with boxing gloves on compared to exposed fists. He said: “One punch can change your career.  Christie only turned pro at 37Credit: @danny_tb_christieThis is the aftermath of one brutal bare-knuckle boutCredit: @danny_tb_christieChristie poses after a sparring session with Tommy FuryCredit: @danny_tb_christie”It is the most gangster form of combat sports by far, your knuckles are like blades, throwing them at that sort of speed, they’ll take your eyebrows off. And one good punch will change the course of the fight.”If you get hit with a good punch with a glove, yes, it will register but if you get hit with that bare knuckle, it will slice you wide open and give you 20 stitches. It’s more clinical than boxing and the fight can change quickly.”BKFC has just announced a huge investment from UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 35, who is now a part-owner in the brand. And Christie, who retuns on June 8 at BKFC Newcastle, said: “Anything Conor McGregor touches turns to gold. “So I can only imagine BKFC will go into the stratosphere with his involvement with Conor McGregor on board.”Christie hailed his move to BKFC as a career-changer and hailed their safety protocols despite concern around the gory sport.He said: “My respect for BKFC and all of their top medical professionals, the matchmakers, David Feldman, is off the charts. “I’ve got a brilliant relationship with them. We’re looked after in terms of having doctors and paramedics at ringside, to inspect cuts and injuries during the fight and between rounds. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the aftercare is brilliant, I’ve never known the stitch team to be immediately on hand to stitch up any cuts or lacerations immediately after the fight. “The medical care is just on point, the wages are brilliant, the exposure is great, the team, the treatment – BKFC is one of the best things that’s happened in my life.”Christie is becoming a star of BKFCCredit: @danny_tb_christie More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury and UFC legend Conor McGregor compared, with one living in Morecambe and another splashing cash around world

      by

      TYSON FURY and Conor McGregor are two of the highest-ever paid fighters in combat sports.The duo, both 35, have raked in millions of pounds thanks to their exploits inside the boxing ring and the UFC octagon.Brit boxing champion Tyson Fury is one of the richest athletes on the planetCredit: REXUFC and MMA superstar Conor McGregor is right up there with Fury on the rich listCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAFury lives a relatively modest life with his wife Paris and their seven kidsCredit: SPLASHMcGregor, on the other hand, loves to splash the cashCredit: GETTYFury, who faces Oleksandr Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles on Saturday night, pocketed close to £50million for his crossover clash with Francis Ngannou last October.And McGregor memorably took home a whopping £100m for his 2017 venture into the boxing world to take on Floyd Mayweather Jr.It’s no secret that the pair – who have watched one another fight in person – are equally as loaded as each other.But when it comes to how they spend their riches, they couldn’t be any more different.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYkUFC icon McGregor lives perhaps one of the most lavish lifestyles of all athletes.The Notorious has dropped millions on plush homes in Marbella, Lamborghini yachts and an incredible car and watch collection.WBC heavyweight champion Fury, however, lives a far more modest life in the sleepy town of Morecambe.Despite boasting an impressive fleet of motors, Fury and his family lived in a modest home worth a mere £550,000 up until 2021.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTHere’s how the two compare in the lifestyle stakes.PROPERTYThe sleepy seaside resort Morecambe is home for Tyson Fury and has been for over 13 years.Boxing legend Colin Hart has his say on Fury vs Usyk – and reveals who he thinks will winIn the last few years, he spent £1.7million on a new Lancashire home but beforehand was happy to live with wife Paris and their children in a five bedroom, £550,000 property.Speaking on a three-part ITV documentary in 2020, he said: “People say to me, ‘Why don’t you live in California or America?’ – why would I?”Why would I abandon my own country for a bit of money and some fame?”I love it. I would never leave Morecambe. It’s true beauty. If the weather was better, every house here would be a million quid.”The same can’t be said for former plumber’s apprentice Conor, who loves spending money. He told US TV host Jimmy Kimmel as much.”I mean you’ve got to enjoy it [money], right? It’s only paper,” McGregor told Kimmel on his chat show.Fury did live in a £550,000 five-bedroom home in MorecambeIn 2019 McGregor splashed £2m on this stunning home in IrelandMcGregor also spent around £1.3m on a holiday pad in Marbella in 2018Credit: The HeightsThe house is in The Heights, a luxury development that boasts wonderful views of the MediterraneanCredit: The HeightsHe added: “I need to stop fantasising about the materialistic things but I do enjoy them. I have to be honest with myself.”That’s why, when McGregor does retire, he has the pick of three homes – in Ireland, Spain and the USA.In 2019, he paid £2m for a beautiful five bedroom mansion in The Paddocks near Straffan, Co Kildare, that sits behind an elite gated Ladycastle community at the K Club, famed for being host to the Ryder Cup in 2006.The MMA star also has a £1.3million holiday home in the exclusive Marbella development called The Heights, where Cristiano Ronaldo is a neighbour.CARSWhen it comes to fast cars, McGregor has some of the best around.It is believed he has a garage worth around £3million and has been seen behind the wheel of a number of flashy motors.In the past, he’s shown off two Lamborghinis, including a £280,000 Aventador.McGregor’s also got a fleet of Rolls-Royces, like a £300,000 Phantom, a £250,000 Wraith and a £280,000 Dawn.And least we not forget McGregor’s £2.7million Lamborghini yacht, and he’s believed to own a private jet.Notorious loves luxury cars and owns a fleet of Rolls-RoycesCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor is also known to drive a Lamborghini AventadorCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAFury has been seen behind the wheel of a £250,000 Ferrari GTC4LussoCredit: BackGridAlthough Fury has admittedly scaled down on his car collectionFury has also been seen squeezing his 6ft 9in his frame into a £10,000 1993 Mini CooperCredit: Refer to CaptionInside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport.

      Fury has scaled down his car collection of late. He was seen behind the wheel of a £250,000 Ferrari GTC4Lusso, but seems to have ditched the Italian supercar.He also sold his Rolls-Royces when he suffered with depression and his life spiralled out of control.The Wythenshawe boxer even posted an emotional video on YouTube waving goodbye to a £300,000 Cullinan as it left his drive.He claimed to have swapped it for a used Volkswagen Passat that cost him £500.Fury has also been spied cruising around Morecambe Bay in a tiny Mini Cooper valued at £10,000.FASHIONWhere Fury catches up with McGregor is in the clobber he wears.The pair share a love of a bespoke statement suit. Tyson favours a Claudio Lugli number, often with a message that he shows off at press conferences before a big fight.McGregor too isn’t afraid of saying something with his whistle, once donning a suit that had ‘F*** you’ written in very small writing on it.He regularly teams up with tailor David August, who he has a fashion label with, for a new look.Fury is not afraid to wear a statement suitCredit: The Mega AgencyTyson showed off his £590 slippers and a £375 bathrobeCredit: Twitter @Tyson_FuryDapper Conor McGregor says a good suit is like wearing a plate of armourCredit: Splash NewsFamously, McGregor had a message for Floyd Mayweather on his suit before they foughtCredit: Getty”A good suit is like a plate of armour,” he once told fashion mag GQ.Amusingly, before Fury likes to go into battle, and when he’s in training camps, he lives in swanky robes.He was seen wearing a £375 Versace dressing gown before fighting Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas, matching them with £595 Gucci slippers.JEWELLERYDiamonds can also be a man’s best friend.Although he’s not as bling as McGregor, Fury has been spotted wearing a £500,000 Richard Mille Rose Gold watch, as well as a Rolex.And matching that Versace robe, wrapped around his neck, he wears a diamond-encrusted necklace.McGregor has a thing for watches too. Astonishingly, he has amassed a watch collection worth £2.2million.He has a Jacob & Co’s Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette, which is valued at a jaw-dropping £730,000.However, it’s another Jacob & Co timepiece that is his rudest. The Rasputin boasts blue hands and a naughty secret.Tyson flaunts his Richard Mille Felipe Massa Ivory Rose Gold Chronograph, which costs a staggering £500,000Credit: Instagram/gypsyking101Tyson also showed off a rainbow-themed Rolex on social mediaCredit: Twitter, @Tyson_FuryThe diamond-encrusted watch hides a naughty secret behind a shimmering doorMcGregor showed off his £730k Jacob & Co Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette watch on social mediaBehind a shimmering door of his Rasputin Jacob & Co watch that cost £1.5m is a saucy imageInside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch.
      With the touch of a button, a hidden sex scene emerges from behind a shimmering door.How much did it cost, you ask? £1.5million.THEIR WAGSFury and McGregor were in long-term romances before they became household names.Dee Devlin met the Irishman in 2008 in a nightclub, just as he decided to go into MMA.And she’s always been supportive of him before a big fight – once revealing she prepares his meals to keep an eye on the calories he’s consuming.She also loves her designer clothing like her fiancé. When McGregor stepped into the ring to face off against Floyd Mayweather, she was spotted in the crowd wearing a £1,750 D&G leopard print dress.And like Conor, jewellery is important to Dee – who has been seen wearing Cartier, including a £31,000 watch and £40,000 bracelet.With her flowing blond locks and taste for expensive clothes, Paris Fury is glam, as well. The fashionable mum-of-six has a particular soft spot for Chanel, flashing a pair of stylish gold metallic trainers, £750, on Instagram.Paris Fury cuts a glam figure and loves designer wearCredit: InstagramParis owns SEVEN of these stylish Chanel 2.55 bags, worth £4,362 eachCredit: InstagramDee Devlin was McGregor’s side before his epic riseDevlin was snapped at the Floyd Mayweather fight wearing a £1,750 D&G leopard print dressCredit: Getty Images – GettyShe has previously dazzled followers with a £180 Moschino belt and Fendi Mama Baguette bag, worth £1,850.READ MORE SUN STORIESHer enviable handbag collection includes seven Chanel 2.55 bags in black, white, green, pink, yellow, blue and red, each of which retail for around £4,362.Clearly, it’s the Wags who are more comparable than their sporting partners. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul will be ‘s***ting his pants’ after Mike Tyson’s pre-fight reveal, says UFC commentator Joe Rogan

      by

      JOE ROGAN reckons Jake Paul will be “s***ting his pants” after what Mike Tyson said before their fight. The heavyweight icon and the YouTuber-turned-boxer are to collide in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.Mike Tyson returns to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyJake Paul puts his record on the line against TysonTyson said he was eating RAW MEAT in training for his first professional fight in over 20 YEARS. And UFC commentator Rogan believes the disgusting claim will strike fear into Paul without a punch even being thrown. Rogan said on his podcast: “He goes, ‘I just eat raw meat. I’m eating raw meat’. “He goes, ‘You’re eating raw meat?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, I’m eating raw meat’.READ MORE IN BOXING”He goes, ‘Because that’s what I’m going to eat when I fight. I’m going to eat him, just raw meat’.”Jesus Christ, he’s in this f***ing mode. He’s in that God of war mode.”Bro, he’s in savage mode. If I was Jake Paul right now, I would be s****ing my pants.”Tyson revealed he has banned himself from sex and smoking weed in training to help instal discipline.Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut that is not the only eyebrow-raising reveal Iron Mike has made ahead of his boxing comeback. Interviewer Damon Elliott said: “You look like 20-years-old. What the hell. What are you eating?”Jake Paul reveals awkward reason why he can’t copy Mike Tyson’s sex ban before fighting boxing legendA topless Tyson, 57, responded: “Raw meat.”Elliott replied: “Seriously, Mike? You’re eating raw meat?”Tyson chillingly warned: “I’m going to have to eat it now because my opponent’s going to be raw meat.”Red meats like beef and some fish can be eaten raw but it is not recommended as it harbours illness-causing bacteria.During Tyson’s prolific heyday, he ate up to 4,000 calories a day, enjoying steak, pasta, chicken, rice and fruits.The boxing legend used to fight at 220lb (15st 7lb) during his reign of terror at heavyweight.Paul has weighed as light as 183.6lb (13st 1lb) but his last two bouts have been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb.Although he revealed astonishing plans to hit 240lb (17st 1lb) in training before cutting down two stone to 220lb.He said on podcast: “I’m just getting to eat as much as possible and it turns out my body carries this weigh super well.”And I’m only growing. I think I’ll get up to 240 and probably cut down so I’m like way faster.”But if I’m training for this camp – and camp hasn’t started – but if I’m training in this camp at 240 and then I cut down to 220 it’s basically like I had a 20lb weight vest on for the whole entire camp.”So my muscles are going to be so much stronger and that speed will come through.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPaul’s plan to weigh 240lb would be FOUR STONE heavier than the 13st 1lb he scaled before losing to Tommy Fury, 24, last year.Jake Paul and Mike Tyson facing offCredit: @jakepaul More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor calls for Ryan Garcia to receive a LIFETIME ban after failed drug tests as he blasts boxing sensation

      by

      CONOR MCGREGOR has called for Ryan Garcia to be given a lifetime ban following his failed drug tests.The former interim WBC lightweight champion tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug Ostarine before and after his shock win over Devin Haney last month.Ryan Garcia scored a sensational upset win over Devin Haney last monthCredit: GETTYBut his win is currently marred in controversy due to two failed drug testsCredit: GETTYThe boxer has been blasted by UFC icon Conor McGregorCredit: DAZNTraces of the SARM (selective androgen receptive modulator) – which can build lean muscle mass – were discovered in Garcia’s final pre-fight tests.Garcia, 25, has denied intentionally ingesting the substance, the discovery of which will likely see his win overturned to a No Contest.But that hasn’t stopped McGregor from seemingly ending their friendship by calling for him to never be allowed to box again.In a now-deleted X post, the UFC superstar wrote: “Cheated the weight and was juiced, lifetime ban. Sad to see, sad to say. Sad and a bit sick.”READ MORE ON RYAN GARCIAMcGregor offered Garcia words of support after his defeat to Gervonta Davis last April but wants nothing more to do with ‘King’ following his positive tests.He roared: “Don’t come near me if I see you ever Ryan Garcia. I am actually disgusted.”The Notorious then lumped UFC men’s bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley into his rant as he’d also tested positive for Ostarine in 2018.He added: “This Ostarine it reminds me of Sean O’Malley was on that as well.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRyan Garcia $1million crownRYAN GARCIA wore a crown worth $1million for his ring walk before fighting Devin Haney.
      The American boxer’s head gear caught the eye of boxing fans before and after his shock victory.
      The 25-year-old headed to the ring draped in a white robe as he wore a diamond encrusted crown.
      Holding 1kg of gold and over 400 carats of diamonds the crown was made by Texas-based jeweller The Ice Champ.
      Garcia’s gown was also made up of 15,000 diamonds and took 10 days to create.
      He also told TMZ before the bout: “He was like ‘let’s create something where the champ of the boxing world and the champ of the jewellery world connect and make something unique. We created a unique crown.”
      Read more about Ryan Garcia.

      “I don’t like this, I’ll bust yous both up, do yous want a spar? I will set flights right now for you both for a full on spar each.”Hotel, Black Forge Inn the lot. #letssparomalley and #garcia two little Ostarine heads l’ll ride you both like yous are ostriches.”NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Ryan Garcia reacts after a knock down of Devin Haney during a fight at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***WBC super-lightweight champ Haney believes Garcia “cheated and disrespected” the sport of boxing with his failed tests.And the American’s efforts that fateful night in Brooklyn have garnered the full respect of McGregor.”Wtf is up,” McGregor said of Garcia. “What do you think you are at? “If I was Haney’s dad, you’re dead no matter what for doing that. Crazy.”What the f**k happened to you, you little fool. “Get your head together cos I gonna smash it in with elbows if you don’t.Ryan Garcia has vehemently denied ever taking PEDSCredit: INSTAGRAM/KINGRYAN”Fair play Devin well done. Your performance has just become even more heroic! Bravo.”The New York State Athletic Commission will await the result of Garcia’s B samples before beginning a disciplinary process.He’ll likely face a lengthy ban if the NYSAC deem him to have intentionally ingested the PED, a suggestion he’s vehemently denied.In a clip captioned, “Fake news like if I was Donald Trump,” Garcia insisted he’s ever cheated.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I came on here to address this bull f*****g s**t claim that I cheated,” he said.”Everybody knows that I don’t cheat.” More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

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

      by

      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

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

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

      by

      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