“What a life!” Francis Ngannou reminds fans of difficult journey as Cameroonian and family enjoy presidential suite in Riyadh

Born in the village of Batié, Cameroon, Francis Ngannou came from humble beginnings before making it as a pro-fighter. The Cameroonian-French fighter is now signed to the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Before that, he was the reigning heavyweight champion in UFC before exiting promotion. He is set to currently face boxer Tyson Fury in a hyped matchup on Oct. 28.

Ngannou did not come into the fold with mentors and patrons. He worked at a sand quarry in Batié from the early age of 10 due to the lack of money. Ngannou also lived with his aunt at the time. He started training in boxing and did multiple odd jobs to keep his dream afloat. He also needed the money to purchase fighting gear. At the age of 26, he moved to France and pursued professional boxing. Taking to X, he reflected on how far he had come along. He wrote:

Just sitting here on the balcony of a presidential suite in Riyadh, with my family, watching the city and processing life. What a life it has been!

Francis Ngannou wrote on X.

Forced to live on the streets in Paris, he met Francis Carmont, who introduced him to Fernand Lopez and the MMA factory gym. Lopez had seen his potential in MMA and encouraged Ngannou to train. From that time till now, Ngannou has become an elite fighter. He has also made a lot of money. His story will definitely inspire people to believe in their dreams and rise above their circumstances.

Ngannou is set to face lineal boxing heavyweight champion Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He will earn more than $8 million for the fight against Fury. This will be the biggest payday of his career. After the boxing bout, Ngannou will return to fight in the PFL next year.

John Fury made remarks about Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou is set to face boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury soon. Both are known to be the best in what they do. John Fury, on the other hand, is known for diving to extreme lengths to promote the fight of his sons. Recently, he had labeled the former UFC champion’s technique as “embarrassing.” Speaking to Boxing Social, Ngannou retorted that he was only “playing a part.”

Ahead of the fight, Ngannou held an open workout and media day in Las Vegas. Carlos Takam, who faces Martin Bakole on the same fight card, also participated with him. During the open workouts, Ngannou trained with legendary boxer Mike Tyson for his preparation. This has drawn unwarranted yet underhanded criticism from Fury’s father. He has called this open workout session a disgrace and kid’s play.

Some fans will hope to see Ngannou surprising Fury. John Fury has completely dismissed the idea of Ngannou posing a threat to his son. Nevertheless, it is important not to underestimate an opponent in any form of combat sports.

In case you missed it:

• “Can’t see what is in front,” Francis Ngannou taunts UFC exposing blurred Kamaru Usman’s t-shirt with his name
• Is Kamaru Usman joining PFL like Francis Ngannou? Rumours swirl after T shirt blur controversy

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