In the world of elite boxing, preparation often makes the difference between victory and defeat. But Oleksandr Usyk’s training camp for his 2023 bout with Daniel Dubois took things to an entirely new level—especially when it came to his core training. According to his longtime strength and conditioning coach, the Ukrainian champion dedicated a full month of his camp exclusively to strengthening his abdominal muscles, crafting what insiders called his “Iron Abs” regime.

Why such an unusual focus? One word: Dubois. Or more specifically, Dubois’ dangerous body attack. And as it turns out, that focus may have been the very thing that saved Usyk’s world titles.

The Shot Heard Around the World: Dubois’ Body Blow

In August 2023, the heavyweight showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois in Wroclaw, Poland, turned controversial after a thunderous fifth-round body shot from Dubois sent Usyk crashing to the canvas.

However, referee Luis Pabon ruled the punch a low blow, giving Usyk several minutes to recover. The call sparked intense debate throughout the boxing world. Was it legal? Did Usyk embellish? Would Dubois have become world champion had the referee counted?

While many debated the legitimacy of the blow, few knew that Usyk had spent weeks preparing for exactly this kind of attack.

“We knew Dubois had a big right hand to the body,” said Egis Klimas, Usyk’s manager. “That’s why Usyk focused so much on his core. We made sure he could take those punches and keep going.”

Why ‘Iron Abs’ Became a Priority

According to his team, Usyk’s entire camp for Dubois included an intensive abdominal focus unlike anything they’d done before.

His trainer Yuriy Tkachenko revealed:

“For 30 straight days, Usyk did two sessions daily focused on the midsection—medicine ball slams, resistance core twists, crunches, leg raises, bodyweight drills, and special isometric routines. He did over 1000 ab reps per day.“

Why the obsession with core strength?

“Dubois was young, powerful, and aggressive,” said Tkachenko. “He was coming to take Usyk’s body. We knew that if Usyk could withstand a liver shot or a solar plexus punch, he could mentally break Dubois.”

And withstand he did—though some would argue with help from the referee.

A Controversial Victory – But Preparation Paid Off

While the low blow ruling remains disputed, there’s no denying that Usyk recovered and regained control. After the fifth-round scare, he adjusted, upped the pace, and gradually wore down Dubois before stopping him in the ninth round.

“That shot hurt, yes,” Usyk admitted post-fight. “But I trained for pain. I was ready.”

Analysts now say that Usyk’s body conditioning may have made the difference between folding and fighting on.

“Had he not been in such incredible shape, he might not have gotten up,” said Carl Froch, former world champion. “Even with the time he had, you need to be able to breathe through it. Usyk’s abs saved him.”

Usyk’s Legendary Work Ethic

This isn’t the first time Oleksandr Usyk’s training methods have made headlines. Known for his grueling swim workouts, stair climbs, and mental toughness drills, Usyk has long believed that a stronger mind starts with a stronger body.

His “Iron Abs” regimen, however, took even his veteran team by surprise.

“I’ve worked with champions,” said conditioning coach Serhii Lapin. “But Usyk is obsessed with getting better. He kept asking for more ab rounds, more reps, more challenges.”

“He told us, ‘If my abs are strong, everything else is strong.’ He meant it.”

Dubois Reacts to Usyk’s Training Revelation

News of Usyk’s abs-focused month didn’t sit well with Daniel Dubois, who has remained adamant that the body shot was legal and should’ve ended the fight.

“I don’t care how many crunches he did,” Dubois said in a recent interview. “That shot landed clean. He went down. He should have lost. No amount of ab work changes that.”

Dubois, who is still campaigning for a rematch, believes the “Iron Abs” story is part of an effort to rewrite the narrative.

“He knows I hurt him,” Dubois added. “He’s trying to make it sound like it was all part of the plan. He was almost done.”

Usyk’s Mind Games: Psychological Warfare at Its Finest

Whether or not the Iron Abs month was physical preparation, psychological manipulation—or both—there’s no denying it adds to the mystique surrounding Oleksandr Usyk.

Throughout his career, Usyk has used unconventional training and spiritual discipline to gain an edge. From dancing drills to late-night runs, his method is as much about psychology as it is physiology.

“He believes he can’t be broken,” said longtime friend Vasiliy Lomachenko. “And that belief makes him almost impossible to beat.”

How Usyk’s Core Strength Impacts His Style

While the public sees Usyk as a nimble, fast-footed tactician, insiders know his success begins with his core strength. His movement, balance, and punch resistance are all tied to a bulletproof midsection.

“He’s not just quick,” said analyst Teddy Atlas. “He’s compact, strong, and durable because of that core. That’s why he can bounce, pivot, take a shot, and stay balanced all night.”

The Dubois fight exposed a rare moment of vulnerability. But Usyk’s months of abdominal conditioning may have been the very tool that allowed him to survive and thrive.

Will Other Fighters Copy the ‘Iron Abs’ Blueprint?

In the wake of Usyk’s win and the revelations about his preparation, fighters across divisions are rethinking the role of core training.

Already, trainers from heavyweight to welterweight have shared how their fighters are increasing abdominal workload and focusing on body punch resistance.

“Usyk raised the bar,” said American trainer Derrick James. “Everyone saw that even the best get hit. You need to survive. If it takes 1000 sit-ups a day, then that’s what you do.”

The Future: Fury Rematch, Then Dubois 2?

Now that Usyk has unified all four heavyweight titles after defeating Tyson Fury, the boxing world is focused on the impending Fury vs Usyk 2 rematch scheduled for late 2025.

However, should Usyk emerge victorious again, Daniel Dubois believes he’s next.

“If Usyk’s so proud of his abs, let’s see them hold up in a real fight next time,” Dubois said. “I’m coming back stronger—and I’m aiming for the same spot.”

Usyk has not ruled out a future clash.

“He’s a strong boy,” Usyk said with a smile. “Maybe one day, we will see who has the stronger belly.”

Conclusion: Abs of Steel, Will of Iron

While the world focused on the drama of the low blow, few realized the extent to which Usyk had prepared his body for war. The month-long core training marathon now seems prophetic—and possibly fight-saving.

As the heavyweight division enters a golden era, the story of Usyk’s “Iron Abs” is more than just a quirky training tale. It’s a symbol of dedication, detail, and champion mindset—a mindset that helped Usyk hold on to his belts in one of the most controversial title defenses of the modern era.

One thing’s for sure: the next man to target Usyk’s midsection better bring more than just power—he’ll need something Usyk hasn’t trained for yet.