Oleksandr Usyk is a truly one-off talent in the boxing ring.

The Ukranian southpaw has a rare confluence of skills that mean he is incredibly athletic, has great reactions, the footwork of a dancer and the IQ of a chess master.

Add in a big heart and unshakable mentality that has seen him come back from some hellacious rounds against the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to win, and you have one of the most complete fighters in the sport today.

Not only is he a theoretical pound-for-pound king, but he has proven himself as an Olympic gold medalist, an undisputed cruiserweight champ and most recently an undisputed heavyweight ruler, which is something only Evander Holyfield has ever achieved before him, though not during the four belt era.

As such it is hard to imagine who he might have taken inspiration from on his way up, but speaking to TNT Sports Boxing he has revealed that in fact he used to mimic the moves of British legend and former featherweight champion ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed.

“When we were amateurs, we copied his [Naseem Hamed] movements. And we were under pressure in the gym because we were not allowed to do so. They were telling us that it looked like we were losing our concentration, and our focus, like we were out of control. But I kept doing it, even during competitions.”

Prince Naz was a thrilling fighter to watch given his unorthodox style and famous showboating in the ring, not to mention his lavish ring walks. Usyk has shown a playful side to himself before too with unique training techniques in the gym and a love of dancing often being seen online.

On December 21, however, he will have to be dialled in once more when he defends his world titles and lineal status against Fury having won their first fight in May on a split decision.