Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, describing him as a "great" heavyweight champion and a fitting successor to the legacy that Lewis himself helped build. In Lewis’s view, Usyk embodies the qualities that define a true champion—skill, dedication, and an unwavering work ethic.
Usyk made history in 2024 when he secured the undisputed heavyweight crown by defeating Tyson Fury, becoming the first fighter to hold every major heavyweight title simultaneously since Lewis’s own reign. The Ukrainian’s unbeaten record and his string of high‑profile victories have cemented his status as the preeminent heavyweight of his generation. He has bested Fury twice, dispatched Anthony Joshua on two occasions, and out‑pointed Daniel Dubois in two separate bouts, achievements that underscore his dominance in the division.
Having observed Usyk’s training camp firsthand, Lewis affirmed that the Ukrainian is not only a formidable athlete but also a person of great character. "Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports.
He added that Usyk’s sacrifices, strong family values, and relentless commitment make him deserving of the accolades and admiration he receives. Usyk is now approaching the twilight of his career, with his next challenge set against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in an unconventional WBC title bout slated for Egypt.
The prospect of a heavyweight champion stepping into a hybrid fight highlights the difficulty many champions face when considering retirement. The heavyweight division, in particular, has a storied tradition of fighters grappling with the decision to hang up the gloves, often returning for one more high‑stakes encounter. Fury, for instance, has retired and un‑retired multiple times, illustrating how the lure of the ring can be hard to resist.
The 2026 boxing calendar is already buzzing with speculation about upcoming marquee matchups, and fans are eager to see how Usyk’s legacy will evolve in the coming years. Lewis himself is a living legend, having accomplished virtually everything a boxer can aspire to. Yet even he admits that the temptation to return to the ring was strong.
"Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," he reflected. He recounted how, after stepping away, he was offered 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," Lewis explained. His final bout remains one of the most memorable in heavyweight history—a brutal clash with Vitali Klitschko, who would later rise to become a dominant champion in his own right. Lewis recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words before the fight: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight." Lewis accepted the challenge, acknowledging that while the fight was far from pretty, it ended in victory and allowed him to close his career on a high note.
Reflecting on his own career, Lewis said his ambition was always to be the greatest heavyweight of his era, mirroring the iconic status of Muhammad Ali. "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," he declared.
In summarizing Usyk’s place in the sport, Lewis emphasized that the Ukrainian’s achievements are a testament to his talent and perseverance. "He's done it all. He's sacrificed.
He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers," Lewis affirmed, underscoring that Usyk’s contributions to heavyweight boxing will be remembered for years to come. As the heavyweight division looks ahead, the conversation surrounding Usyk’s future fights, potential cross‑disciplinary bouts, and his lasting impact continues to grow.
Whether he chooses to defend his titles against traditional contenders or explore novel matchups like the upcoming encounter with Verhoeven, Usyk’s legacy is already secure. His ability to dominate a range of opponents, maintain an unblemished record, and carry himself with humility and professionalism embodies the very essence of a champion. Lewis’s endorsement serves as a powerful validation of Usyk’s status.
When a former heavyweight titan like Lennox Lewis acknowledges another fighter as a worthy heir, it not only highlights the respect Usyk commands among his peers but also signals to the broader boxing community that a new chapter in heavyweight greatness is unfolding. The sport’s fans can look forward to witnessing how Usyk will further shape the narrative of heavyweight boxing, building upon the foundation laid by legends like Lewis and continuing the tradition of excellence that defines the division.