"Too soon to leave but yet he's gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy," he wrote. "Now, he's laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he's not responding.

"I used to be my greatest self subsequent to him and now I've no clude (clue) of who I'm. Life is so unfair to hit us the place it hurts essentially the most. How do you cope with such a factor? How can you reside with it? Please assist me you probably have an concept as a result of I actually do not know what to do and find out how to cope with this."

News of Ngannou’s tragic loss was first reported on Sunday in his native Cameroon. Several hours prior to officially confirming his son’s passing, the fighter expressed the immeasurable pain and sadness he was feeling.

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"What's the aim of life if what we're combating tooth and nail to get away from is what lastly hit us the toughest!?" he said in a tweet. "Why is life so unfair and cruel? Why does life at all times take what we do not have? I'm f****** drained."

An outcry of support soon followed, with several big names within the world of combat sports offering their condolences. Former UFC champion Conor McGregor wrote on X: “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.”

Saudi royal boxing chief Turki Alalshikh shared his own words of support, writing: "My coronary heart goes out to Francis Ngannou for his loss. May his son's soul relaxation in peace."

Joshua, who defeated Ngannou in a heavyweight boxing match last month, kept his tribute short, writing: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”

On the heels of an incredible boxing debut against Tyson Fury last October, Ngannou faced off against Joshua in Saudi Arabia. The 37-year-old ran into trouble early, suffering multiple knockdowns in the first two rounds before being knocked out by the two-time heavyweight champion shortly after.

There was nothing but respect between the two boxers following their highly anticipated bout. As Ngannou got up from the canvas, Joshua embraced him in the middle of the ring and asserted" “You’re an inspiration. You’ll beat a lot of people. Don’t leave boxing. Don’t leave boxing.”

He later added: “If you need anything, let me know, but we’ll speak another time.”