World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, like many mere mortals, typically contemplates hammering the snooze button.
“My telephone alarm is like ‘Hey, Oleksandr, get up, it is time for coaching at 5 o’clock within the morning’.”
He says this whereas puffing out his cheeks with an exaggerated sigh.
Usyk grew to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years when he outpointed Briton Tyson Fury in Could.
After vacating the IBF belt, he returns to Saudi Arabia to defend his WBA (Tremendous), WBC and WBO titles towards Fury on Saturday.
The rivalry has catapulted him from a boxing nice to a sporting icon. Having reached the summit, nevertheless, is there a hazard of Usyk’s starvation and motivation dwindling?
Already in battle week we’ve seen Usyk evident from the cockpit window of a aircraft and delivering his trademark dance strikes.
However one of the best heavyweight on the planet, presumably of his era, struggles with the required sacrifices and finds preparation a chore.
“I do not like coaching, however I like boxing. I can not field if I don’t practice. It is all collectively,” the 37-year-old tells BBC Sport.
“After I’m in camp, each day and each minute I believe ‘what am I doing right here? What am I doing right here with out my youngsters and my spouse?’
“Nevertheless it’s my selection, boxing.”
