The 28-year-old, a world and European champion, is set to compete at this year's World Games as kickboxing is on the programme for the first time as an invitational sport.

Datsiev, who competes in the 78 kilograms class, is currently in training for the event in Wrocław, due to run from July 20 to 30.

"When I am preparing myself close to a bigger competition, I have a hard schedule: a workout at the gym three times a day, and in addition swimming and running," he said.

"In that period I haven't got time for anything else, except for sleeping at night."

As well as his training regime, Datsiev, whose nickname is "the predator", also helps out with community schemes in Russia and conducts sports workshops in schools, at city events and at sports clubs.

"In sport, you always have to move forward," he added.

"My recipe is to defeat, to go forward and achieve goals despite the pain - like a predator."

Kickboxing is one of 31 sports on the programme for the World Games, which are expected to attract 4,000 athletes from around 100 countries.

Last month, organisers announced tickets for sporting action at the event had officially gone on sale.

Wrocław 2017 also said seats for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, due to take place on July 20 and 30 respectively, will be made available shortly.

The lowest-priced tickets start at PLN5 (£1/$1.23/€1.16) for disciplines such as roller sports, with the most expensive starting at PLN40 (£8/$10/€9) for dance sports and speedway racing.

Organisers have made some events, such as the majority of archery competitions and action in wakeboarding and waterskiing, free of charge to the public.