Anthony Joshua, Conor McGregor and the sporting world offer support to Francis Ngannou after the UFC champion-turned boxer announces the death of 15-month-old son Kobe

Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor have led the tributes to Francis Ngannou after the UFC fighter-turned boxer revealed his 15-month son had passed away.

Ngannou, who lost to Joshua in one of the biggest heavyweight bouts of all time just weeks ago, has been mourning on social media after announcing Kobe's passing.

'Too soon to leave but yet he's gone,' one of his posts read. '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 of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit 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.'

The MMA and boxing worlds have offered their best wishes in response, with father-of-one Joshua taking to social media to offer his best.

Ngannou's most recent opponent commented on Instagram: 'May the memories you shared bring you comfort.'

McGregor, meanwhile, who is a father of four and previously trained with Ngannou, shared: '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.'

The pair clashed in Saudi Arabia at the start of March, with Joshua securing a shock knockout victory just two rounds into the bout.

They have however remained close, with it unclear if Ngannou will remain in boxing or return to MMA full time.

They embraced following their fight in Riyadh, with Joshua calling for his one-time rival to remain in the sport and raising his hand. 

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, posted: 'I'm sorry brother. Can't imagine the pain and struggle you are going through. Praying for you and your family right now!'

Cain Velasquez, who Ngannou knocked out in the first round of their UFC bout in 2019, commented: 'Bro I have no words but I am here. Praying for you and your family. Sending you a hug.'

Ngannou shared the news to his seven million Instagram followers, with the post receiving over 35,000 comments overall.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Ngannou's son are unknown at this time.

Ngannou, who grew up in Batie, Cameroon, where he was raised by a single mother, continued to receive huge support, with the former UFC heavyweight champion generally held in high regard in the combat game.

Mike Bisping commented: 'I am so genuinely sorry,' while Mark Hunt shared: 'Heartbreak. Sincerely condolences Francis.' 

In the boxing world, former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellow, posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'No parent should have to endure this pain.. so so sorry for your loss.'

David Adeleye shared: 'Takes a real man to ask for help. Hope you get it.'

Tributes continued to roll in from a number of faces in the combat world, with Ngannou continuing to mourn on social media.

A earlier post read: '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.'

McGregor also responded to the second post, writing: 'I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.'