When two accomplished athletes of their respective sports meet one another, it sure does make the headlines or the news in some form or the other. We didn’t expect the latest power duo, Israel Adesanya and Anthony Joshua. 

Israel Adesanya and Anthony Joshua recently appeared in a walkout for a fellow Nigerian fighter, Lawrence Okolie. This had fans speculating whether Adesanya and Joshua were more than just mere acquaintances. 

The first appearance of them together, albeit not from the same place, happened on the popular YouTube channel ‘First We Feast.’ This collaboration sat well with fans, with fantastic reviews of them being a highly entertaining duo hitting the comment sections. 

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Israel Adesanya and Anthony Joshua – Acquaintances or home friends? 

Their appearance together on the ‘Hot ones’ video was well received by audiences and led them to speculate if they were friends. People are even more convinced of their friendship after walking out a fellow Nigerian fighter, Lawrence Okolie, for his cruiserweight bout. 

The two kings of UFC and boxing were in the O2 arena, walking side by side, leading Okolie to his would-be second title defense. 

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Nigerian heritage 

Fans could tell that the two had great comedic timing and a penchant for entertainment right off the bat. They share a Nigerian heritage, an aspect of great pride for black fighters in combat sports. 

After all, Israel Adesanya is the current middleweight champion of the UFC, hailing of Nigerian descent. Therefore, being a champion with an entire country on your back can be a matter of great pride. 

This shared representation of Nigeria could be a key factor on the grounds of relatability between the two fighters. 

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Real recognize real 

It is ubiquitous for two athletes from the top of their respective sports to show respect to one another. Israel Adesanya is the world middleweight champion of the UFC. On the other hand, Anthony Joshua is a two-time, unified world heavyweight boxing champion. 

Therefore, it is safe to say Adesanya and Joshua seem to have become friends. They’ve evolved from mere acquaintances with respect for each other’s sport and appeal.