Anthony Joshua taking 'inspiration' from UFC legend Conor McGregor ahead of Francis Ngannou fight

03/03/2024 14:49

Anthony Joshua believes he can learn from Conor McGregor.

The former two-time heavyweight boxing world champion's fight against Robert Helenius last August was sponsored by McGregor's beer company.

After Joshua ruthlessly knocked out Helenius, he bumped into 'Notorious' at ringside and the 35-year-old proceeded to give him a taste of his Forged Irish Stout.

Now, AJ is days away from fighting one of McGregor's old colleagues.

The British boxing superstar will take on ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou at 'Knockout Chaos' in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 8.

Ahead of the eagerly anticipated bout, Joshua was shown a picture of his ringside meeting with McGregor and asked to share his thoughts on the divisive MMA fighter.

The 34-year-old had nothing but good things to say about McGregor, who he admits has inspired him to try to approach life with a more relaxed attitude.

“He’s a larger-than-life character; he’s someone you can take inspiration from," Joshua told Matchroom Boxing

“Remember, you’re only here once and you’ve got to love and live life.

"Each to their own but a lot of people are quiet, reserved and getting through life but he’s someone who’s at the forefront of life and living it to its full capacity and I love him for that.

“There’s mileage in speaking to someone like Conor McGregor; even if it’s a small gem, something is better than nothing.

"While you’re here, love, live life. Be confident, flamboyant, be an extrovert and don’t be shy. When it’s all said and done you only get one chance at life.”

McGregor has been sidelined from fighting since July 2021.

The former dual-weight UFC champion has fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered during a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, but he's still not got a comeback date.

UFC CEO Dana White recently suggested McGregor may never return because he is enjoying the life of luxury afforded by his extreme wealth.

A clash with Michael Chandler has been booked for over a year, but it's currently unclear if the Irishman will fight 'Iron' or anyone else in the UFC ever again.

McGregor was previously pushing for an immediate fight date, and he even threatened to leave the UFC to box Manny Pacquiao if talks didn't progress quickly.

Now, he's gone quiet, and fans are concerned he'll never return.