Former world champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the legacy of boxing’s elite. In Lewis’s view, Usyk embodies the qualities that define a true heavyweight monarch – relentless work ethic, disciplined preparation, and a deep respect for the sport’s traditions.
Usyk’s rise to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division has been nothing short of historic. In 2024, he secured the undisputed heavyweight crown by defeating Tyson Fury, marking the first time since Lewis himself that a fighter held all four major belts simultaneously. This achievement placed Usyk in a very exclusive club, underscoring the magnitude of his accomplishment. The Ukrainian fighter has remained unbeaten throughout his career, compiling an impressive résumé that includes two victories over Fury, two wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over rising contender Daniel Dubois.
Each of those wins has reinforced his claim as the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his generation. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, described him as a “great champion, a great person, he trains hard.” He added that Usyk has “done it all, he’s sacrificed, he’s got a great family and he deserves his flowers.” Usyk is now approaching the twilight of his career, with his next challenge set to be a highly unusual bout against kick‑boxing star Rico Verhoeven for a WBC title in Egypt. The prospect of a heavyweight champion stepping into a ring with a kick‑boxer is rare, and it highlights the willingness of modern champions to test themselves in unconventional ways. Historically, heavyweight champions have found it difficult to stay retired; the allure of the spotlight and the competitive fire often draw them back.
Fury himself is a prime example, having retired and unretired multiple times over the past few years. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 promises several marquee events, and fans are eager to see how Usyk’s legacy will be further shaped.
Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to upcoming fights, while podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and commentary for enthusiasts who want deeper insight into the sport. Lewis, who is widely regarded as one of boxing’s all‑time greats, has already accomplished virtually everything a fighter could aspire to.
He has spoken candidly about the temptation to return to the ring after retirement. “Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring,” Lewis admitted, “but focus and discipline kept me out.” He recounted his struggle to stay away from competition, noting that a commentator role with HBO kept him close to the action while he tried to distance himself from the sport’s demands.
“I said I’ve done everything already, I don’t need to prove anything anymore, so I stayed out of boxing,” Lewis explained. Yet his love for the sport never truly faded, and his reflections reveal the internal battle many champions face when deciding whether to hang up the gloves for good. One of Lewis’s most memorable fights came against a young Vitali Klitschko, a bout that ended in a brutal, hard‑fought victory.
“My trainer Emanuel Steward told me, ‘Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight,’ and I said, ‘Well, I’ll take it.’ It wasn’t a pretty fight, but I still won,” Lewis recalled. That victory not only cemented his status as a dominant force but also foreshadowed the emergence of another future heavyweight legend.
Reflecting on his own career, Lewis said his ambition was always to be “the greatest heavyweight,” a goal inspired by the legendary Muhammad Ali. “I wanted to be just like Ali and win all the accolades, whether they were European, British, or any other title, as long as I won them all,” he affirmed. His words illustrate the relentless drive that propelled him to the summit of the sport.
In assessing Usyk’s place in boxing history, Lewis sees a parallel to his own journey. Usyk’s disciplined approach, willingness to face the toughest opponents, and ability to capture the undisputed championship echo the qualities that defined Lewis’s reign. As the sport looks ahead, both men’s legacies will continue to inspire the next generation of heavyweights, reminding fans that greatness is forged through perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.