Oleksandr Usyk’s team director, Sergey Lapin, has given talkSPORT.com a unique insight into his client’s camp for the upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian handed Fury his first defeat as a professional in May via split decision but will have to repeat his heroics on December 21 in order to erase all doubt over who the best fighter is in the glamour division.
Usyk got off to a bright start in their inaugural encounter but was outboxed in the middle rounds by a confident Fury.
‘The Cat’ then rallied in the second half of the fight, winning the eighth frame before scoring a standing eight count on Fury in the ninth stanza.
In the end, the tight scorecards read 115-112 to Usyk, 114-113 to Fury, and 114-113 to Usyk with the knockdown proving to be decisive.
Given how close the fight was changes were required – and not just on Fury’s side.
And Lapin has disclosed a key difference in Usyk’s preparations for fight number two.
“The primary improvement was the deep integration of a scientific approach into the preparation process,” he told talkSPORT.com.
“This autumn, Ready To Fight, our online boxing platform, partnered with leading experts from the Institute of Sport Science in Katowice, Poland, and the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.
“As a result, in our training camp, there were world-class experts in sports science and medicine.
“They focused on optimising the champion’s physical and cognitive performance through advanced monitoring and research, planning daily schedules, training routines, nutrition and exercises to enhance brain functions.”
If Usyk beats Fury for a second time on Saturday, then there won’t be much left for him to achieve in the sport.
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He has already beaten the three biggest names in the division right now: Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois – and has achieved undisputed supremacy at heavyweight and cruiserweight.
Usyk has spoken about moving down to cruiserweight again, rematching Dubois and even competing in bare-knuckle boxing but Lapin insists there is no clear plan when it comes to his fighter’s next steps.
“The only realistic option for him after a win is to return home and spend time with his family,” added Lapin.
“This is something he is absolutely committed to. What comes next remains to be seen.
“Usyk, as well as our entire team, will always stay engaged in boxing and the development of the boxing industry.
“It’s very hard to understand if he’s serious when answering questions about his long-term plans (referring to a possible bare-knuckle switch).
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“As you could notice, he gives another answer each time.
“So, it’s better not to try to skip the film ahead to see what happens next, but watch the story unfold step by step to fully appreciate how it develops.”
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