Joshua reveals his admiration for McGregor
Former world champion Anthony Joshua has spoken about his admiration for Conor McGregor.
Joshua is well aware of McGregor, having seen the Irishman ringside at his fight with Robert Helenius. The Notorious witnessed Joshua overcome a stubborn Helenius to stop him with a vicious right hand in the seventh round. In the aftermath, Joshua caused a stir, drinking McGregor’s famous Forged Irish Stout. Despite the criticism, Joshua recounted what he learned from the Irishman. The Brit outlined his admiration for McGregor’s single-mindedness, which is living by his philosophy.
“He’s a larger-than-life character; he’s someone you can take inspiration from. 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, and 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,” Joshua said
However, McGregor’s career has been far from exemplary of late. He has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. That was his second consecutive defeat to ‘The Diamond,’ his third defeat in his last four UFC fights. His comeback fight was expected to be in 2024, but there is nothing to indicate that this is close to happening.
On New Year’s Day, McGregor announced that he would fight Michael Chandler on June 29 at 185 pounds. Dana White ruled that out, stating that the UFC would announce McGregor’s return once it was official. But given that McGregor has given the sport so many thrilling memories, there is a desire to see him return. Eddie Hearn and Chael Sonnen were desperate to see McGregor fight again.
“If it was me — and it’s not me, and Dana certainly doesn’t need my advice — but I’m bringing McGregor back, whatever it costs. He injects an enthusiasm and a vibrancy into the UFC that no one else can. No one in the sport can make it happen for the UFC and MMA like Conor McGregor. When he comes back, the press conferences, the build-up, the value of the business, the ratings, the pay-per-view numbers [all go up],” Hearn revealed
“Eddie comes out in this particular case, he’s talking about Conor McGregor. Says to the UFC, ‘Hey, pay him whatever he wants. Get the deal done. Whatever it takes, you gotta what’s best for sport at times.’ And Conor McGregor is what’s best for sports. He’s not wholly incorrect,” Sonnen stated
But at 35, McGregor’s best days may be up. He is returning from a career-threatening injury, so he must remain active. The longer he stays away from the Octagon, the less likely MMA fans will see him return.
