Conor McGregor gives Anthony Joshua a surprise gift and calls the British heavyweight ‘the definition of class, quality, and loyalty’ ahead of O2 clash with Robert Helenius.

Joshua faces Helenius on August 12 after his previous opponent Dillian Whyte failed a doping test for the third time in his career. 

Whyte released a statement after the verdict saying he was ‘shocked and devastated’ at the verdict and folllowed on to say: ‘I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media.’

Now, Joshua faces Helenius at the O2 Arena in London, a venue in which he is undefeated and saw him defeat Jermaine Franklin on points in April.

And before his matchup with the 6ft 6in Finn, 33-year-old Joshua received a gift from former UFC two-weight champion Conor McGregor, with an accompanying tweet from the Irishman.

Anthony Joshua gears up to take on Robert Helenius on August 12 at the O2 Arena – where he is unbeaten

The Irish UFC legend was full of praise for AJ, describing the Brit as ‘the definition of class’ ahead of Helenius clash

McGregor gifted Joshua a set of his ‘Forged’ stout beers, alongside a tweet heralding the professionalism of the former heavyweight champion.

The UFC fighter wrote: ‘This man @anthonyjoshua is the definition of class, quality, and loyalty! What him and @EddieHearn have built is just absolute magic!

‘I cannot wait to witness AJ Powerhouse do work this weekend and live from ringside! Wow! Honored! Let’s go! @ForgedStout @MatchroomBoxing.’

AJ is looking to continue his winning run after beating Franklin last time out, but McGregor hasn’t fought in the Octagon since breaking his leg in a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier.

The Irishman is set to fight American Michael Chandler after both fighters finish coaching on The Ultimate Fighter.

McGregor will take on Chandler at 170lbs but a date and location for the fight is not yet decided.