‘It’s a tough ask’– UFC superstar Conor McGregor explains opinion on Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch with…
UFC superstar Conor McGregor doubts Anthony Joshua will be able to win back the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles from Oleksandr Usyk when they rematch.
Joshua was outclassed by Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September, losing his world heavyweight belts on a difficult night in London.
The Olympic gold medallist will get the chance to win back his titles in an immediate rematch that is expected to take place on July 23 in the Middle East.
McGregor, who stepped into the squared circle five years ago to take on Floyd Mayweather, believes Joshua has got a massive job ahead of him if he hopes to become a three-time unified heavyweight champion.
“It didn’t go so well the last time. It’s a tough ask,” McGregor told Sky Sports.
“AJ is a good guy and I wish him well. Usyk is a great guy as well and I hope for a good bout for both men.
“The heavyweight division is on fire at the minute. Good things are happening.”
Joshua previously lost his belts to Andy Ruiz Jr. in a shock seventh-round stoppage loss before triggering a rematch clause that saw them fight again in December 2019 at a purpose-built 15,000-seat arena in Diriyah.
On that occasion, the Englishman boxed his way to victory against Ruiz to win back his world titles and he’ll be hoping for a similar result when he gets a second crack at Usyk.
As for McGregor’s boxing career, the Irishman revealed that he will look to improve upon his one-fight professional boxing record before his combat sports career is over.
“Boxing is my first love in combat sports. I had such a great time the last time I was out there, he said.
“Obviously, my return will be in the octagon for UFC – that story is far from over, in fact it’s just being written, it is just the beginning.
“But, boxing, for sure I will grace the squared circle again in the future.”
‘Notorious’ is currently healing up after suffering a fractured tibia and fibula at UFC 264 in July 2021.
In recent weeks McGregor has ramped up his training efforts ahead of his eagerly anticipated return to action later this year.
