Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Washira Helene
Published on 2024-03-13 14:13:37
Francis Ngannou’s bold move to enter the world of boxing and challenge both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been a victory for the MMA champion even before he steps into the ring. The substantial financial gains are undeniable, but more importantly, these fights solidify Ngannou’s reputation as a fearless competitor.
While some may criticize Ngannou for his loss to Joshua in their March 8th bout, they fail to acknowledge the historical significance of his actions. For an MMA champion to take on the best boxers in the world requires extraordinary courage.
This fearless spirit is not new for Ngannou. The heavyweight champion recently shared about his challenging childhood on The Bridge, a story that deeply resonated with fans. Ngannou’s background showcases how success can sprout even from the most difficult beginnings.
Ngannou’s parents divorced when he was only six years old, leading him to live with various relatives and attend six different primary schools. This constant relocation made it almost impossible to form lasting friendships. At school, Ngannou was marginalized for lacking basic necessities like notebooks, pens, and shoes, often resulting in his exclusion from class. This continuous humiliation and isolation left him feeling inferior to his peers.
“Growing up, I always felt like other kids were looking down on me because I was the guy that didn’t have anything,” Ngannou recalled. “It was frustrating at some point. But at the same time, I realized at some point in life that was the best thing that ever happened to me. Without that, I wouldn’t have become what I am today. It was like a life education. Life managed to teach me everything and prepared me for what I would face in the future. In my childhood, my parents were divorced when I was 6 years old. I started living with different family members,” he added.
Financial struggles pushed Ngannou to start working at a young age. By nine, he was already toiling alongside his brother in harsh sand mines to help provide for his family.
A pivotal moment came at 13 when Ngannou was expelled from school. Fueled by frustration and a burning desire to prove himself, he realized that other children didn’t grasp the immense effort he put in to possess even the little he had. This experience lit a fire within Ngannou, a determination to achieve something extraordinary. He dedicated himself to a goal that would not only uplift his own life but also command the respect of those who once mocked him.
Ngannou’s unyielding determination led him to delve into mixed martial arts. Despite his tough beginnings, he refused to relinquish his dream. This relentless pursuit has resulted in remarkable success, with Ngannou securing the world champion title and reportedly earning $20 million from his fight with Anthony Joshua.
For many, Ngannou’s journey from the sand mines to a global icon serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with adversity. It embodies the transformative influence of perseverance and hard work in surmounting obstacles and attaining greatness.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
