Lewis Williams back from training with one of boxing's all-time legends

Lewis Williams sparring with Oleksandr Usyk at the champion's training camp in Spain

Lewis Williams has spent five of the hardest but most rewarding weeks of his professional career, training alongside two boxing champions — one of the greatest of all time, undefeated cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

The invitation came from the Usyk team via Lewis's promoters Queensberry Promotions to join the Ukrainian's training camp in Spain ahead of the Usyk v Verhoeven fight in Egypt on 23rd May.

As Lewis stays in good shape based at Cleary's Gym, Leamington Spa, it was an opportunity not to be missed to go out and spar with one of the world's greatest heavyweight boxers and a fighter widely recognised in the sport as an all-time legend.

Commenting on the trip, Williams said:

"Training with Usyk and his team was a massive eye-opener — the intensity of the sparring sessions and the rounds we shared were on another level.

"People who know me know how hard I train, but this showed me exactly how much further I need to go. In fact, I've probably done more rounds with Oleksandr Usyk now than any top heavyweight ever has done."

He was also able to meet up with another of British boxing's greatest heavyweights, Anthony Joshua, who is also in Spain training for his next fight in July in Riyadh. That fight is widely tipped as a warm-up bout, with speculation of a long-awaited Joshua v Fury fight in November. Williams's style with his fast jab has been compared to that of Tyson Fury.

He continued:

"We've known each other a long time so it was great to link back up with AJ, and I'm really looking forward to working with him in the future.

"I believe I'm as good as anyone in the heavyweight division. I was praised for my fast hands and movement when I was sparring with Usyk. I just need my experience now to catch up with my talent."

Williams was initially invited out to the Usyk training camp for a week but he made a serious impression and was retained for almost five weeks.

Lewis Williams and Oleksandr Usyk ringside after training in Spain
Lewis Williams and Oleksandr Usyk pose together at the Usyk training camp
"I'm really grateful to my team and my sponsors who support me on my journey.

"I'm waiting for my next fight date as I can't wait to get back in the ring and put all of the experience to good use,"

commented Williams before flying back to the UK to rejoin his team.