Usyk: Total Delivery in the Spanish Camp; Dubois, Next Challenge

Oleksandr Usyk, a name that resonates in the boxing world. With multiple belts, medals, fame, and fortune, Usyk is a national hero in Ukraine and an undisputed champion in two divisions. However, his motto, “Never enough,” drives him to keep seeking greatness.In the quiet city of Gandia, Spain, Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) is preparing for a new challenge: to face IBF champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs), on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, London.

A Unique Training Camp

Usyk’s training camp, located in a former car rental shop, is a simple but functional space. It has a gym equipped with a ring, punching bags, weights, and an assault bike. In addition, the place is decorated with personal touches, such as Ukrainian flags and a Spartan poster. A white concrete wall serves as a canvas for the team’s messages, including a graffiti of a cat, in reference to his nickname.

On the wall, in bold letters, it reads “Moskow 2018, Saudi 2024”, the cities where Usyk was crowned undisputed champion. At the top, “London 2025” stands out, a clear manifestation of the team’s goals.At the lower level, the phrase “UNDISPUTED” shines in neon over a wall with the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Television screens replay Usyk’s fights, including his knockout victory over Dubois in August 2023.

In his free time, Usyk enjoys playing PlayStation in a rest area. The atmosphere is one of constant activity, with team members taking care of logistics, assisting the media, and analyzing fight replays.Usyk’s children, Mykhailo and Kyrylo, spend their time playing basketball and soccer, waiting for their father to finish his training. Sometimes, they go to the gym to watch the action.Alongside his compatriot, light heavyweight Daniel Lapin, Usyk does cardio sessions, going up and down the gym stairs.

Intense and Varied Training

Usyk’s days begin at 6 in the morning, with two or three daily sessions, depending on the day. His training is diverse and includes running, swimming, cycling, tennis, mental training and cognitive tests, in addition to sparring.In the gym, Ukrainian boxers are doing a strength and power session, with a quick circuit of jumps, sprints on assault bikes, weights, kettlebell exercises, and bodyweight routines. One of the most demanding exercises involves doing sit-ups while throwing a giant medicine ball against the wall.

Every day I have moments during training when I just want to be on the beach with my wife, holding a bottle in my hand.

Oleksandr Usyk

The sparring takes up a large part of his time. Approximately 60% of his week, at the beginning of June, he dedicates to the ring.During a strength and power session, the champion pushes himself to the limit. His tank top darkens with sweat as he performs jumps without rest. Ukrainian techno music keeps the energy high during the training. Verbal communication is limited, but the process is fluid.The coach Jakub Chycki describes Usyk as “Homosapien athleticus”, an incredible human being. At the end of the session, Usyk kisses a crucifix and expresses his desire to rest.Usyk, despite his success, takes care of cleaning and organizing the equipment after each training session, demonstrating his dedication and attention to detail.

The Power of Data

Information is key in the camp. Chycki, the brain behind the training, collects data from each session, from aerobic capacity to brain monitoring during sparring. The “Ready to Fight” (RTF) team, founded by Usyk and his childhood friend, Sergey Lapin, meticulously analyzes both Usyk and Dubois.RTF is dedicated to analyzing fight data, identifying weaknesses and strengths, and providing the team with the information needed to design strategies. The company seeks to expand in the boxing world, offering data analysis and facilitating access to sparring partners.

The main target is Dubois. “Our analysis department looks for different fights, tries to find weaknesses, strengths, to gather the information and work on it and give the team the appropriate analyses so they can see how they can impact future fights,” says Sergey Lapin.

Is the information a secret weapon for Usyk?

Sergey Lapin

Usyk, who has admitted to being near the end of his career, plans to help develop RTF. After his career, he has plans to play football and train the next generation of Ukrainian boxers.Usyk is about to put the finishing touches on his distinguished career. A bigger and better Dubois awaits him. Another opportunity to be undisputed, for his performance to be etched in the history books, not just on the wall of his gym.