Conor McGregor says that British heavyweight great Anthony Joshua has his work cut out for him if he is to seize the world titles he once held back from Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua was largely outclassed by the Ukrainian former cruiserweight champion last September in what was just the second defeat of his 26-fight professional career, and is set to face him once again later this year in a bid to re-establish his credentials near the top of the heavyweight ladder — where he could potentially prosper given the supposed retirement of Tyson Fury.

The Brit’s future, though, appears to be heavily tied to his ability to become the first professional to defeat the immensely technical Usyk in the ring — and when asked about the upcoming fight by Sky Sports, Conor McGregor outlined the scale of the challenge facing AJ.

“It didn’t go so well the last time. It’s a tough ask,” McGregor told Sky Sports ahead of last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

“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.”

The rematch between Joshua and Usyk looks likely to take place in the Middle East on July 23, which could be considered as a good omen for Joshua given it was in Saudi Arabia where he regained his world titles in a rematch with Andy Ruiz following his shock defeat to the Mexican-American heavyweight.