Three sessions a day. Mornings start outdoors with running in the mountains above Tamga and general fitness work. Boxing fitness routines of one to two hours follow, with pads, bag work and footwork, and sparring where appropriate. Trainers are current or former national and international champions, and an English translator is on hand throughout. The training is adapted from novice to intermediate, so you do not need a competition record to keep up.

The camp is based at Dmitry Bivol's gym in Tamga, on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. Iron Curtain Sports Ltd, whose head office is in London, calls it their jewel in the crown. Guests writing on Trustpilot describe basic but well-kept accommodation, exceptional hospitality, hikes, thermal pools and village life — one review compares the whole thing to something out of Rocky 4. The operator's local office is in Cholpon-Ata. Airport pickup, transfer and accommodation for the week are included; flights and travel insurance are not. Guests describe homemade food made with care, and it is worth confirming with the operator exactly which meals are covered. Reviews are five-star.

The week costs from $1,500 per person, with discounts for multiple bookings or longer stays. The camp is open all year round, so you can start on any day you choose; the operator confirms each request, so wait for their confirmation before you book flights. It suits anyone who wants three sessions a day in a place few people have trained, and who is happy with simple rooms and the operator handling the logistics. It does not suit anyone after a hotel with a pool.

What's included

Airport pickup and transfers; Accommodation for the week; Three training sessions a day (mountain run, fitness and boxing); Champion boxing coaches; English translator throughout the camp; A programme tailored to your level and goals

What's not included

Flights; Travel insurance; Meals and food; Personal expenses