What Makes Usyk Great? The coach reveals the unique training program before the rematch with Dubois.

As the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois rematch draws near, boxing fans and experts alike are revisiting a familiar question: What makes Usyk so exceptional in the ring? He’s not the biggest or the strongest man in the heavyweight division, but he routinely outclasses larger opponents with speed, skill, and stamina. Now, thanks to an exclusive look inside his training camp, we may finally have answers.

A journalist from The Independent recently visited Usyk’s camp ahead of his rematch with Daniel Dubois, set for July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, where all four heavyweight belts will be on the line. What they discovered was nothing short of revolutionary: a scientifically-engineered training regime that focuses on explosiveness, full-body coordination, and reactive intelligence—not just brute strength.

Let’s break down what truly sets Usyk’s training apart, and why it could be the edge he needs to remain undisputed.

Explosive Strength: It’s Not About Lifting More, It’s About Lifting Fast

At the heart of Usyk’s training lies a focus on explosive rate rather than maximum weight. According to his Polish fitness coach Jakub Chycki, Usyk doesn’t waste time on slow, heavy repetitions.

Instead, his routine revolves around explosive kettlebell swings, quick, rapid presses, and high-intensity jump squats. This strategy develops fast-twitch muscle fibers, crucial for delivering lightning-fast punches, dodging strikes, and maintaining agility in the final championship rounds.

“There’s no time for slow power in boxing,” said Chycki. “In the ring, it’s about speed, output, and reaction. That’s what we train for.”

No Traditional Gym? No Problem

One of the most intriguing aspects of Usyk’s preparation is his use of non-conventional training tools. Instead of relying on machines or dumbbells, his sessions are filled with gymnastic rings to improve coordination and balance, resistance bands to add dynamic pressure on every motion, and unstable surfaces to build core strength and adaptability.

These tools force his body to engage multiple muscle groups at once, mirroring the unpredictable conditions inside the boxing ring.

Training in Every Direction: Full-Plane Movement

Boxing isn’t linear. Fighters need to move sideways, twist their torsos, and deliver punches from impossible angles.

Usyk trains with side lunges with rotation, twisted squats, and pushups on wobble boards. By engaging in multi-plane exercises, he builds not just strength, but ring-readiness. His body is conditioned to react from any angle, under any level of fatigue.

Plyometrics: The Science of Explosion

Plyometrics are the core of Usyk’s power system. These include medicine ball slams, quick punch drills, jump lunges and burpees, and resistance shadow boxing.

He even incorporates micro-movements while holding deep squats, training control under tension—a highly specific form of stability that mimics real fight fatigue.

Badminton: The Surprising Secret Weapon

Yes, badminton.

This unlikely training method improves reflex speed, visual tracking, hand-eye coordination, and footwork rhythm. Usyk plays frequently during training camp. It’s not just for fun—it’s a functional tool to sharpen his reaction time against unpredictable incoming threats, just like a looping overhand from Dubois.

The Kettlebell Leg Lift: A Footwork Masterclass

One of Usyk’s most bizarre-looking yet genius moves involves placing a kettlebell on his thigh while propped on a bench, then lifting it slowly using only the hip flexor.

This isolates and strengthens the exact muscles needed for quick step-ins and outs, explosive pivots, and foot feints and direction shifts. This small muscle group is rarely trained by most heavyweights, but for Usyk, it’s a vital asset.

A Scientific Blueprint – Not Just a Workout

Usyk’s training program isn’t random. Every day is part of a long-term cycle built on periodization (stages of strength, endurance, agility, then tapering), recovery science (cryotherapy, red light therapy, mobility drills), and goal-based microblocks (specific drills for Dubois’ southpaw counters or power overhand rights).

Chycki emphasizes that each component is part of a bigger, strategic system, meticulously designed to suit Usyk’s in-ring strategy.

“He’s not just sweating. He’s programming his nervous system, his muscles, and his instincts,” the coach explained.

What’s at Stake: Usyk vs. Dubois II

The July 19 showdown will be one of boxing’s most historic nights.

Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBO, and WBC titles. Daniel Dubois captured the IBF belt after Usyk voluntarily vacated it. The rematch offers a rare four-belt unification—only the second in heavyweight history.

In their first bout, Usyk won via stoppage in a controversial match marred by a questionable low blow from Dubois. This time, Dubois is returning with a new team and a renewed hunger for redemption.

But if Usyk’s training program is any indication, Dubois is in for another masterclass in movement, timing, and tactical brilliance.

Conclusion: Why This Makes Usyk Special

Oleksandr Usyk isn’t just a boxer—he’s a master of boxing as an athletic science. While many heavyweights rely on brute force, Usyk has taken a cerebral approach to fighting. His unique training—combining explosive strength, neurological programming, and non-traditional methods—has turned him into a puzzle no heavyweight has solved yet.

As he prepares for the biggest rematch of his career, Usyk isn’t just training harder—he’s training smarter.

And come July 19 at Wembley, the world will see whether science, skill, and strategy can once again overcome raw power.