Knyba Recalls Sparring with Usyk: “Those Are His Main Advantages”

Polish heavyweight Damian Knyba responded to a question about his sparring sessions with three-time undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Knyba was part of Usyk’s training camp ahead of the rematch with Anthony Joshua.

“Sparring is not a fight, it’s not the same. But those sessions definitely gave me a lot of confidence. I looked very good in those spars, and it showed the level I’m on.

As for Oleksandr Usyk and my impressions of him. First of all, I was impressed by his footwork and his physical endurance. I think those are his biggest advantages. Besides that, he’s a southpaw, a very awkward opponent. Another factor that made the sparring difficult was the small ring, three by three. And he had four, maybe even five different sparring partners rotating every two or three rounds. I was very impressed,” Knyba said.

On January 10 in Germany, Knyba (17-0, 11 KOs) will face interim WBC Heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs). At the first press conference, Damian stated that he is aiming for a knockout.