World boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and rising star Lawrence Okolie have revealed their mutual admiration for one another ahead of cruiserweight Lawrence’s big moment in the ring.

The two "Londoners" feature in a new film, sharing their personal journeys, the inspirations they have drawn upon in their careers and their experiences of growing up in the capital city.

Of his inspiration Joshua says: “I look around me and all the people that I’ve met along the way, I take something form each of them.

“Some of my inspiration came from Wladimir Klitschko in terms of how I interpret boxing and what he had achieved, not only in the ring but how he handles himself outside.”

He then goes on to praise Lawrence Okolie, saying something which may surprise people from his hometown of Watford: “Being from London, we both have that London swagger, and we can connect - East London and North London, it’s all London.”

The heavyweight champion grew up on the Meriden Estate in Garston. After his victory over Wladimir Klitschko in April last year residents of the estate spoke to the Watford Obsevrer about how proud they were.

Stuart Fretwell, who watched the fight from The Badger pub on the estate, where Joshua returned to the year before his big win for a for a Sky Sports documentary, said in May that Joshua was a “local lad who’s done great things and now he’s put the estate on the map,” before adding: “It’s nice that he’s staying so humble.”