Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, recently praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the heavyweight throne. Usyk made history by becoming the first boxer to hold all four major heavyweight titles since Lewis himself achieved that feat, securing the undisputed crown after defeating Tyson Fury in 2024. The Ukrainian fighter has remained unbeaten, building a résumé that positions him as the premier heavyweight of his generation.
His record includes two victories over Fury, a pair of wins against Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over Daniel Dubois, each bout underscoring his technical skill, resilience, and tactical intelligence. Lewis, who has spent time observing Usyk’s training camp, expressed unequivocal admiration for the younger champion.
"Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports, adding that the Ukrainian’s dedication and family support have earned him the respect and accolades he enjoys today. "He's done it all. He's sacrificed.
He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers." Usyk now finds himself in the twilight of his career, preparing for a highly unusual WBC title bout against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. While heavyweight champions often struggle to stay retired—Fury, for instance, has retired and unretired multiple times—Usyk appears ready to embrace the challenge, seeking to cement his legacy with one more high‑profile encounter. Lewis reflected on his own career, noting how even a legend like himself wrestled with the temptation to return to the ring.
"Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," he admitted. After hanging up his gloves, Lewis transitioned to a commentary role with HBO, which kept him close to the sport he loved.
"I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," he explained, emphasizing the difficulty of truly stepping away from a lifelong passion. The British great’s final fight remains a vivid memory: a brutal showdown with Vitali Klitschko, who would later ascend to dominance in the heavyweight division. Lewis recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight." Accepting the challenge, Lewis delivered a victory that, while far from pretty, showcased his indomitable spirit.
"It wasn't a pretty fight but I still won," he said, highlighting the gritty nature of heavyweight boxing. For Lewis, the ultimate goal was always clear: to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of his era, mirroring the legacy of Muhammad Ali. "From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he affirmed. "I wanted to be just like Muhammad Ali and win all the accolades along by getting up to the top, so if it was European, if it was British, if it was this, if it was that, as long as I won them all." Usyk’s ascent mirrors many of those aspirations.
After turning professional in 2013, he quickly amassed titles at cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight, where his footwork, speed, and ring IQ set him apart. His victories over Fury were especially significant, as Fury had previously held the undisputed title and was considered one of the sport’s most formidable figures. By outboxing Fury twice, Usyk not only proved his own greatness but also restored a sense of continuity to the heavyweight lineage that Lewis once embodied.
Beyond the ring, both men share a commitment to family and personal discipline. Usyk’s close-knit family has been a source of stability throughout his career, providing the emotional foundation that allows him to endure grueling training camps and high‑stakes fights. Lewis, too, has spoken often about the role his family played in keeping him grounded during his own meteoric rise. The upcoming clash with Verhoeven promises to be a unique spectacle, blending the worlds of boxing and kick‑boxing.
While many skeptics question whether a kick‑boxer can truly contend for a heavyweight boxing title, the bout underscores Usyk’s willingness to push boundaries and test himself against unconventional opponents. Should he emerge victorious, it would further solidify his status as a versatile and fearless champion. In the broader context of heavyweight boxing, the transition from Lewis to Usyk represents a passing of the torch that spans decades. Lewis’s era was defined by powerful, often brawling styles, while Usyk brings a more fluid, technically sophisticated approach reminiscent of classic European pugilists.
Yet both share a relentless drive to be the best, a dedication to rigorous training, and an unyielding desire to leave an indelible mark on the sport. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, fans can look forward to seeing how Usyk’s legacy unfolds. Whether he defends his undisputed titles against traditional challengers or steps into the ring with a crossover athlete like Verhoeven, the Ukrainian champion has already earned his place among the greats.
Lennox Lewis’s endorsement serves as a powerful testament to Usyk’s achievements, confirming that the mantle of "great champion" has indeed found a worthy successor in Oleksandr Usyk.