Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, describing him as a "great" champion and a fitting heir to the heavyweight throne. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Lewis reflected on Usyk's rise to prominence, noting that the Ukrainian fighter has cemented his place among the sport’s elite by achieving feats that few have managed. Usyk’s historic accomplishment came when he secured the undisputed heavyweight championship in 2024, a milestone that had not been reached since Lewis himself held all four major titles.
By defeating Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout, Usyk became the first boxer in nearly a decade to hold the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts simultaneously, a testament to his skill, determination, and strategic acumen inside the ring. The Ukrainian’s unbeaten record further underscores his dominance.
Over the course of his career, Usyk has amassed victories against some of the most formidable opponents of his generation. He has bested Tyson Fury twice, outboxed the former champion on two separate occasions, and also recorded two wins over Anthony Joshua, a fighter who once held the unified heavyweight titles himself.
Adding to his résumé are two triumphs over the powerful British contender Daniel Dubois, each win reinforcing Usyk’s reputation as a versatile and technically proficient heavyweight. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, highlighted the champion’s work ethic and personal qualities. "Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports. He went on to commend Usyk’s sacrifices and family support, saying, "He’s done it all.
He’s sacrificed. He’s got a great family and he deserves his flowers." These remarks illustrate the deep respect Lewis holds for Usyk, not only as a fighter but also as an individual who balances the pressures of elite sport with personal responsibilities. While Usyk’s career appears to be entering its twilight, he remains active, preparing for an unconventional WBC title defense against renowned kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.
This matchup, unusual for a heavyweight boxing title fight, reflects the evolving landscape of combat sports, where cross‑disciplinary bouts are becoming more common. Nevertheless, the prospect of retirement looms for many heavyweight champions, who often find it difficult to step away from the limelight and the adrenaline of competition. The heavyweight division has seen its share of retirements and comebacks, most notably with Tyson Fury, who has retired and unretired multiple times over the past few years.
Such patterns highlight the challenge of leaving a sport that has defined a fighter’s identity for decades. Lewis himself has spoken candidly about his own struggle with retirement. After a storied career that saw him defeat legends like Vitali Klitschko, Lewis admitted that the temptation to return to the ring was ever‑present. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring.
But focus, discipline kept me out," he explained. He added that his post‑boxing career as a commentator for HBO kept him close to the action, making the decision to stay retired even more complex.
Lewis’s final fight, a brutal encounter with Vitali Klitschko, ended in a decisive victory and served as a fitting capstone to his illustrious tenure. He recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words before the bout: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight," to which Lewis responded, "Well, I’ll take it." Though the fight was far from pretty, it demonstrated Lewis’s willingness to confront the toughest challenges head‑on, a trait he sees reflected in Usyk’s own career.
Reflecting on his own ambitions, Lewis said, "From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight. I wanted to be just like Muhammad Ali and win all the accolades, whether they were European, British, or any other title, as long as I won them all." This drive for greatness mirrors the path Usyk has taken, striving not only for titles but also for a lasting legacy. In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Oleksandr Usyk underscores a passing of the torch within the heavyweight ranks.
Usyk’s unbeaten record, his victories over multiple former champions, and his willingness to take on unconventional challenges position him as a worthy successor to Lewis’s own legendary status. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, fans can anticipate further chapters in Usyk’s career, possibly culminating in a historic retirement that mirrors the dignified exit of his predecessor.
The respect shared between these two champions highlights the enduring spirit of boxing, where each generation builds upon the achievements of those who came before, ensuring the sport’s legacy remains vibrant and compelling.