Fashion designer Priya Ahluwalia has created a stunning custom look for Gymshark Athlete and the Lineal UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou ahead of his huge fight against Anthony Joshua on Friday March 8th, with the boxer yesterday appearing at his pre-fight press conference sporting the colourful design.
The three-way collaboration continues Ngannou’s long-standing history of using fashion to celebrate his tradition and heritage. The boxer was born in Batié, Cameroon, and worked in a sand mine as a child. He walked over 5000km to reach Paris in his pursuit to become a boxer, and his fight this Friday against the British Joshua represents the next step in a beguiling career that saw him debut against the undefeated Tyson Fury last October. Gymshark has supported Ngannou since his UFC days in early 2021.
Of her design, Ahluwalia said: “It’s always such a special moment to be able to collaborate with other people from the African continent. I myself am Nigerian and Indian, and Francis is Cameroonian and French, I think projects like this are such an incredible symbol of African creativity and talent being spotlighted on a global stage. It’s something I hope we can see more of in the future. I am in awe of Francis’ career, and feel very fortunate to be a small part of such an incredible milestone in his career”.
