Oleksandr Usyk has revealed how growing up alongside "drug dealers and prostitutes" in Ukraine has helped prepare him for the biggest fight of his life against Anthony Joshua.

Usyk, a gold medalist from the London 2012 Olympics and former amateur world champion, is undefeated in his 18 professional contests, having previously lost just 15 of his 350 amateur bouts, but goes into Saturday's fight with Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a relative unknown in Britain.

That could soon change. Usyk is one of the heavyweight division's most compelling characters - an avid reader of Chinese military general Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War', a committed Christian and follower of a decidedly unorthodox training regime which is augmented by hopak - a traditional Ukrainian folk dance - gymnastics, juggling and ballet. He also indulges in weight lifting, Crossfit, and canoeing, which he says increases his balance and explosiveness as a fighter.

Read more here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2021/09/21/faith-folk-dancing-peaky-blinders-oleksandr-usyk-plotting-topple/

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