Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho ready for Premier League title fight as he reveals he uses boxing to keep himself fighting fit

The centre-back uses boxing training to maintain his physical sharpness and to vary his exercise

Mamadou Sakho has challenged Liverpool to push on and make history with Premier League title success (Getty Images)

Defender Mamadou Sakho is ready for the final rounds of Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge, after revealing he keeps himself in peak physical shape by boxing.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has only made 17 appearances for the Reds this season, although has enjoyed a run of three matches in the starting line-up of late for the victories over West Ham, Manchester City and Norwich.

Other footballers have admitted in the past to different techniques to try and prolong their playing career, with Manchester United’s recently appointed interim manager Ryan Giggs admitting he uses yoga to remain injury-free.

And Sakho, who is edging closer to a league success in his very first year with the Merseyside club, admits that he takes to the ring to maintain his physical fitness and keep his cardiovascular training fresh.

“I'm someone who likes to do physical work outside of my day-to-day training,” Sakho told liverpoolfc.com.

“I like boxing as a sport and, yes, I like to do boxing-based training as a way of varying my cardiovascular exercise a little - but I don't actually fight I have to tell you!

“I know my job is a footballer and I want to be fit for that. This just allows me to exercise in a slightly different way. You could say that I like to let off steam on the punch bag.

“I really appreciate boxing as a sport and I like to train once or twice a week with my coach, and it's an added extra positive for me.”

Should Brendan Rodgers’ side claim Liverpool’s first league success since 1990, Sakho will add a second title to the Ligue 1 triumph he enjoyed with Paris St-Germain last season.