ANTHONY JOSHUA received a surprise gift from UFC superstar Conor McGregor just days before his return to the ring.
The former unified heavyweight champion will continue his career rebuild tomorrow night with a short-notice showdown with Robert Helenius at The O2.
GETTYAnthony Joshua returns to the ring tomorrow night for a clash with Robert Helenius[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@FORGEDIRISHSTOUTThe former heavyweight champ was gifted some of Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout[/caption]
GETTYThe UFC superstar sent a message of support AJ’s way after seeing him receive his stout[/caption]
The entire combat sports world will be waiting with bated breath to see if AJ can continue to breathe new life into his career with a highlight-reel knockout.
MMA legend McGregor is rooting for Joshua to do the business, so much so that he sent him a care package of his newly-released Forged Stout.
Upon receiving the four-pack of stout, a chuffed AJ said: “My guys!
“I’ll crack this open and tell you later.”
Joshua, 33, then sent a personal message to The Notorious’ way, saying: “Just be happy.
“You seem happy and that’s all that matters in life at the end of the day.
“Long may the success continue.
“And when I’m out in Ireland one day, I’ll visit the pub but I want drinks for free though!”
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McGregor – whose Forged Stout will be one of the sponsors on fight night – was pleased to see Joshua receive his gift.
He said: “This man Anthony Joshua is the definition of class, quality, and loyalty!
“What him and Eddie Hearn have built is just absolute magic!
“I cannot wait to witness AJ Powerhouse do work this weekend and live from ringside! Wow! Honoured! Let’s go!”
Joshua will look to finalise a long-overdue grudge match with Deontay Wilder with a statement-making victory over Helenius tomorrow night.
Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: How to watch, UK start time, live stream details
The golden boy of British boxing bounced back from consecutive defeats to former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk with a scrappy points win over Jermaine Franklin in April.
AJ’s ring return this weekend was due to a be trilogy bout with longtime rival Dillian Whyte, although a failed drug test for the Brixton Body Snatcher laid waste to their domestic dust-up.
He said: “This wasn’t in the script. I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring.
“I am laser-focused on the win.
“I can make steps forward to bigger and better things but the road map has a checkpoint, Saturday night. May the best man win.”