If you want to Fight Like Oleksandr Usyk, you’re aiming to emulate one of the most technically gifted and agile boxers in the sport today. Known for his incredible movement, precise combos, and mastery of angles, Usyk’s style isn’t just about power—it’s about positioning, timing, and outsmarting his opponents. By focusing on drills and padwork routines that mimic his fighting style, you can hone the skills that make him a world champion.
Here’s how you can train to fight like Oleksandr Usyk by breaking down key elements of his game: footwork, combinations, defense, and conditioning.
1. Footwork: The Foundation of Usyk’s Success
Usyk’s footwork is second to none. As a southpaw, he utilizes his movement not only to evade punches but also to create angles for attacks. He doesn’t just move backward to avoid danger—he pivots, steps to the side, and controls the ring, ensuring he’s always in a position to counter or attack.
To build Usyk-style footwork into your training routine:
- Shadowboxing with movement: Practice moving around the ring (or training space) with fluidity. Focus on circling your opponent, stepping to the side after throwing punches, and maintaining balance at all times.
- Pivots and angle changes: Usyk frequently uses pivots to change the angle of attack. Add pivot drills to your routine, especially after landing combinations. This keeps you unpredictable and hard to hit.
- Lateral Movement Drills: Practice lateral footwork drills, such as side-stepping while keeping your guard up. This helps you emulate Usyk’s ability to maintain defensive control while finding new attacking opportunities.
Remember, Usyk’s success comes not just from his ability to move but from his intelligence in using that movement to keep his opponent off-balance.
2. Mastering Southpaw Combos: Precision Over Power
Usyk’s combinations are well-known for being crisp and precise, often catching opponents off-guard due to his timing and accuracy. Although he has knockout power, Usyk doesn’t rely solely on that; instead, he uses combinations to wear down and frustrate his opponents.
Here are some combination drills inspired by Usyk’s approach:
- Double Jab, Straight Left, Right Hook: Usyk frequently uses the jab to set up his straight left, followed by a right hook to finish the combo. This is a great way to mix precision and power.
- Jab, Jab, Left Cross, Pivot: After throwing a few probing jabs, Usyk often follows up with a sharp left cross. Add a pivot at the end of the combination to switch up angles and keep your opponent guessing.
- Left Uppercut, Left Cross, Right Hook: Known for his ability to mix up high and low attacks, Usyk often throws combinations that incorporate uppercuts. The left uppercut followed by a cross and hook creates a powerful, well-rounded attack.
When throwing combinations like Usyk, keep in mind that accuracy and timing are more important than brute strength. Usyk’s ability to pick his shots and land punches from various angles is what makes him stand out.
3. Defense: Hit Without Getting Hit
Usyk’s defense is closely tied to his footwork and head movement. His ability to slip punches, block effectively, and move out of range keeps him out of danger while conserving energy for his offensive moves. Here’s how to incorporate Usyk’s defensive tactics into your training:
- Head Movement Drills: Incorporate slip and weave drills into your training. Practice slipping jabs and crosses, then countering with your own shots. Usyk often slips to the outside of his opponent’s punch, putting him in perfect position to counter.
- Parry and Counter: Usyk uses parrying to redirect his opponent’s punches rather than absorbing them. Practice parrying jabs and immediately countering with your own punches. This keeps you in control of exchanges.
- High Guard and Block: Usyk’s guard is tight, and he often absorbs punches on his gloves and forearms. Practice holding a high guard and blocking punches effectively. After blocking, be ready to immediately return fire.
Incorporating defense with offense is key to emulating Usyk’s style. He’s a master at using defense as a setup for his own attacks.
4. Conditioning: Endurance Like a Champion
One of Usyk’s most notable strengths is his endurance. Whether it’s the early rounds or the championship rounds, Usyk is known for maintaining a high pace throughout the fight. This comes from his intense conditioning routine, which focuses on both cardiovascular endurance and muscular stamina.
To build endurance like Usyk:
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Incorporate HIIT sessions into your training to improve cardiovascular endurance. Usyk often uses interval training to simulate the high-intensity bursts of energy required during a fight.
- Long-Distance Running: Usyk incorporates long-distance running to build endurance. Add a few long runs to your weekly routine to build up your stamina for longer fights.
- Bag Work for Endurance: Practice punching the heavy bag for long rounds. Focus on maintaining your form and output over time, mimicking the pace of an actual fight. Work in 3-minute rounds with only 1-minute breaks, simulating fight conditions.
Conditioning allows you to maintain a high volume of punches and keep your footwork crisp, even late in the fight.
5. Mindset: Mental Toughness and Adaptability
Usyk isn’t just physically gifted—his mental approach to boxing is crucial to his success. Known for his calmness under pressure, Usyk stays composed in the ring, even when facing tough opponents. He adjusts his strategy based on what his opponent gives him, always looking for ways to outthink and outmaneuver them.
To build mental toughness:
- Visualization: Before training or a match, visualize how you want the fight to unfold. Picture yourself moving, throwing combinations, and adapting to your opponent’s style.
- Adaptability in Sparring: During sparring sessions, practice adjusting your tactics on the fly. If your opponent is applying pressure, focus on defense and counters. If they are backing off, increase your own offensive output.
Having a flexible mindset allows you to stay in control, no matter how the fight develops.
Final Thoughts
Fighting like Oleksandr Usyk is about more than just throwing punches. It’s about footwork, precision, defense, conditioning, and mental strength. Incorporate these elements into your training, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the elusive, effective style that has made Usyk a world champion. Whether you’re a novice looking to improve your skills or an experienced fighter aiming to refine your technique, emulating Usyk’s style will help you elevate your game in the ring. Check out this Usyk Combos Virtual Padwork workout at Level 1 of the Membership if you want to give some of these tactics and strategies a try!
About the Author: Jason Van Veldhuysen
Jason Van Veldhuysen has been coaching boxing for the past 20 years and has been an online boxing coach for the past 15 years. He is the founder of the Precision Striking Youtube Channel (over 1 million subscribers), as well as the founder of the Precision Striking Membership, an exclusive program that helps fighters train to their highest levels while refining their boxing skills and technique. With years of experience as an amateur boxer and a passion for teaching, Jason specializes in footwork, combinations, and drills that elevate a boxer’s overall game. Known for his clear and practical training methods, Jason has helped boxers at all levels—from beginners to competitive fighters—reach their full potential.