Cameroon’s sports minister, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, has sent a message of encouragement to Francis Ngannou following his defeat to Anthony Joshua on Saturday, March 9.
The Cameroonian had his second boxing match which quickly ended after he was knocked out in the second round.
‘This second boxing fight was unfortunately not favourable. That’s sports and its uncertainty’ Narcisse Moelle Kombi said.
‘We know you will come back from this defeat stronger and turn it around with determination and vigor in your next fights’ the sports minister added.
The former UFC heavyweight champion fought Tyson Fury in October, in a fascinating debut which he lost by a split decision. His entry into boxing was considered one of the most exciting in the sport yet.
Ngannou making history
Francis quickly became a household name in boxing just after his debut against reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October.
In an unprecedented switch from the UFC and getting into a professional boxing ring after just over thr
ee months of training, the MMA fighter won the hearts of many, despite the loss against Fury in a fight which almost delivered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Although Francis is still under the PFL which he joined in May 2023, and is expected to have his first fight in the second half of the year, the Cameroonian’s boxing career has so far captured fans who will want to see him back in the ring soon.
Source: Cameroon News Agency
ACCRA: With a display of beautiful traditional dances, performances and more the 13th African Games opened at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Friday night.
The launch of the 13th African Games was punctuated by the usual parade of athletes representing 53 countries taking part in the high mass of the continental sporting event that generated a viewership of more than 2.2 billion viewers across the globe.
Renowned Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale, as well as the legendary highlife artists Pat Thomas, and Ebo Taylor, gave their all to thrill their appreciative audience.
This was complemented by breathtaking performances of South Africa’s Kamo Mphela and Ghana’s King Promise.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the President of Ghana welcomed all the participating countries in his commemorative speech, wishing them the best of luck.
He urged the participants to use the games to exhibit the talents that Africa possessed.
Mousse Fati Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission commended Ghan
a for the massive investments in sporting facilities and infrastructure to host the games.
‘Sports has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does, it speaks to youth in a language they understand,’ he said.
The renowned sports personality urged the athletes and officials to be ambassadors of fair play, equity, discipline, inclusion, tolerance and teamwork to achieve a successful event.
More than 6,000 athletes are competing in 29 disciplines. The disciplines include arm wrestling, basketball, boxing, chess, football, volleyball, handball, athletics, table tennis, and badminton.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency