Welcome back to Soul of Sport, Mail Sport’s photographic look at the best action across the sporting world.
For our latest episode, our man KEVIN QUIGLEY went behind the scenes and observed the training camp of Oleksandr Usyk in Spain ahead of his titanic clash against Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian is currently finishing up his preparations for the mouth-watering undisputed heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Should there be a victor, he will be the first man to hold all four heavyweight belts since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
With the stakes so high, you’d be forgiven for expecting a solely sombre tone. But Quigley captures a calm and playful Usyk who shows little sign of an impending date with destiny.
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Oleksandr Usyk could become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since 1999
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The 37-year-old alongside his speedball, with the words ‘weakness leaving your body’ that are visible on the wooden frame. ‘Undisputed’, ‘the ring’ and ‘Ukraine’ can also be made out
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Usyk cut a relaxed figure as he continued his final preparations for the mammoth fight on Saturday
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The heavyweight champion is not known for his comedic antics but he had no issues displaying his goofy side to Mail Sport
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Usyk rests his leg on the ropes of the boxing ring in his gym. He look more introspective than at another time of the shoot
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Again the fighter cuts a more serious expression as he rests either side of intense workout sets
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Usyk shadow boxes in the ring ahead of his date with destiny in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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The Southpaw utilises unique training methods to improve his reaction times, agility and coordination
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Usyk takes a breather after working up a sweat ahead of his next activity which involves an exercise ball
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Usyk returns to a lighthearted demeanor as he playfully incorporates the ball into his routine
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Usyk has been using his Ready to Fight app to help him prepare for the undisputed clash
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Ready to Fight is the world’s first social platform for professional boxing and helps athletes connect with sparring partners from around the world
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Usyk appears to interrupt his high-intensity session to show off his dance moves, that, or to enjoy a hearty chuckle
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Usyk looks confident and unfazed as he stands in the corner of the ring, shirt and gloves on ready to spar
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Here, Usyk opts to take a seat. He does this while pulling a face that is consistent with the version of the Ukrainian he has shown frequently during this encounter
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Usyk’s speedball and its motivational messages are again clearly visible as he changes attire in the background
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A wider shot of the boxer shows the top notch facilities at his disposal for the huge clash
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Usyk is known to be a lover of other sports and he regularly plays basketball as a way to relax at times during his training
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Usyk’s incredible balance and coordination are on full display as he juggles three balls while standing on an exercise ball
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Usyk’s boots bare the blue and yellow colours, that are synonymous with his country Ukraine
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Usyk again shows his jovial side as he smirks at the camera and makes an ‘L’ sign, maybe in reference to what he is aiming to inflict on Fury
