Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion turned boxer.

Francis Ngannou's last fight was in March against Anthony Joshua

The death of Francis Ngannou’s young son at the beginning of May has left the future of the former UFC heavyweight champion’s boxing career hanging in the balance.

Ngannou learning to live without his son

Recently, Ngannou’s coach, Dewey Cooper, has shed light on the Cameroonian fighter’s plans in the aftermath of the tragedy.

In a poignant social media post on May 1, Ngannou poured out his grief, expressing disbelief and anguish over the untimely death of his son, Kobe.

The 37-year-old fighter, known for his formidable presence in the ring, now finds himself grappling with an unimaginable loss, questioning how to navigate life without his beloved son by his side.

As Ngannou grapples with the loss of his son, his coach, Dewey Cooper, emphasizes the fighter’s need for time and space to come to terms with the tragedy.

Cooper, who has been a pillar of support for Ngannou during this difficult time, acknowledges the profound impact of losing a child, stating that there are no words to describe such a loss.

“He’s taking it day by day. I haven’t even thought about a fight or what he’s going to do as far as fighting. My heart is just with him. I just wish him healing and somehow to be able to live with this. It’s bad. And it’s very sad,”Cooper said.

Ngannou’s fighting spirit has marked his career

Ngannou’s foray into the world of professional boxing has been marked by both triumph and adversity.

In just two bouts within five months, he made a significant impact, going toe-to-toe with boxing elite.

His debut match saw him face off against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, where he not only went the distance but also managed to floor the Gypsy King, showcasing his raw talent and determination.

However, his subsequent bout against Anthony Joshua ended in a second-round defeat, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the sport.

While Ngannou’s future in boxing remains uncertain, Cooper remains steadfast in his support, emphasizing that the decision ultimately lies with the fighter.

“Whatever he wants to do, of course we support. If it were totally up to me, of course I’d like to see him box again. He has the ability and talent to do it. The Joshua fight didn’t go our way, it just wasn’t our night that night, but you guys have seen the ability he has against Fury and there’s several heavyweights he could beat out there, for sure,”Cooper continued.

Despite the setbacks, Cooper highlights Ngannou’s extraordinary journey from poverty in Cameroon to becoming a UFC heavyweight champion and later transitioning to boxing, showcasing his resilience and determination.

As the heavyweight division continues to captivate fans worldwide, with Oleksandr Usyk emerging as the undisputed champion, the spotlight remains on Ngannou’s next move.