As Oleksandr Usyk prepares for his return to the ring on Saturday night, rising undefeated boxing star Viktor Jurk has provided a rare insight into what it is like to train with the Ukrainian legend. Very few have had the privilege of sparring with the two-division undisputed champion, but Jurk holds that honour after being enlisted to help Usyk prepare for his rematch with Tyson Fury in December 2024.
The Usyk Training Camp Experience
Jurk, a 6ft 8in German heavyweight, was tasked with mimicking Fury's fighting style, particularly his southpaw stance. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Fighting, Jurk described the camp as the best he has ever experienced. "Sergey Lapin messaged me because we have a close friend from both sides. He asked if I could come to sparring, and I said, 'Yeah, let's have a try.' Usyk's camp is the best camp. The best places to sleep, everything is very good. They pay you proper money. They make sure everything is good. You have great gym access, and everyone is cool. I learned a lot about how he trains and had insights behind the scenes. It's a blessing."
Jurk emphasized that the real learning comes from observing Usyk's training methods rather than the sparring itself. "When you spar someone like him, you don't learn a lot from three or four rounds. You learn from the training camp—how he trains, how he prepares. If you do 15 rounds of sparring, you learn. But three rounds? That's just a taste. He goes the distance with others, so you see the full picture."
Usyk vs Verhoeven: Jurk's Prediction
Looking ahead to Usyk's heavyweight title defence against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, Jurk is confident in his former training partner's victory. "He should win this fight. Anthony Joshua beat Francis Ngannou in two rounds, but AJ is a big puncher. I think Usyk will win the same way he knocked out Tony Bellew—by making him tired and then finishing him."
The Science Behind Usyk's Training
Usyk is renowned for his unorthodox training methods, which combine modern sports science with cognitive conditioning. His physiologist, Jakub Chycki, revealed that the team focuses on footwork, explosive strength, and mental processing. During cardio sessions, Usyk often solves Schulte tables—grids of numbers that need to be ordered—or juggles balls to keep his mind sharp. "We create the optimal psychological environment for cognitive exercise," Chycki explained. "We combine the air bike with memory exercises, lights for hand-eye coordination, or juggling. We know everything about Usyk's physiology and how his body works under stress."
Anthony Joshua's Team-Up with Usyk
In a surprising turn, Anthony Joshua has enlisted Usyk's help ahead of his own return to the ring. Joshua will face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, with a potential all-British clash against Tyson Fury later this year. Promoter Eddie Hearn described the intensity of their training sessions. "When I was there, AJ was doing tempo sprints with a kettlebell circuit and a sledge with a trainer standing on it. He did three rounds, and I asked if that was all. The trainer said, 'OK, we'll do five.' AJ was all out, and Usyk was pushing him: 'Push, push, push.' It was unbelievable. I've always been confident AJ beats Fury, but now I'm even more sure."
Usyk's return on Saturday night is highly anticipated, and with insights from those who have trained alongside him, the boxing world is reminded why he is considered the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
