Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, describing him as a "great" heavyweight champion and a fitting successor to the legacy that Lewis himself built. Usyk’s rise to the pinnacle of the sport has been remarkable; he became the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lewis held the titles, clinching the undisputed crown after a decisive victory over Tyson Fury in 2024.
This achievement placed him in a very exclusive club of fighters who have unified the major heavyweight belts. The Ukrainian fighter remains unbeaten, and his record reads like a who's‑who of modern heavyweight talent. He has bested Tyson Fury twice, dispatched Anthony Joshua on two occasions, and also secured two victories over the powerful Daniel Dubois.
Each of those wins has reinforced his claim to being the premier heavyweight of his generation. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps and watched his development up close, confirmed that the younger boxer is a worthy heir to the throne.
"Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports, adding that the champion’s dedication and personal qualities make him deserving of the accolades he receives. Lewis also highlighted Usyk’s character, noting, "He's done it all. He's sacrificed.
He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers." Those remarks underscore the respect that the former three‑time world champion has for the Ukrainian’s work ethic and the support system that surrounds him. While Usyk is approaching the later stages of his career, he remains active, preparing for an unconventional WBC title bout against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. Such a matchup is unusual in boxing, but it reflects Usyk’s willingness to take on new challenges even as he contemplates the eventual end of his time in the ring. The heavyweight division, perhaps more than any other weight class, has a history of champions struggling to stay retired.
Tyson Fury, for example, has retired and returned to the sport multiple times, illustrating how difficult it can be for a fighter to walk away permanently. This pattern adds a layer of intrigue to Usyk’s future plans, as fans wonder whether he will follow a similar path or choose to retire on his own terms. Beyond the immediate conversation about Usyk, Lewis reflected on his own storied career and the temptation to return to competition. He admitted that, on many occasions, he felt the pull of the ring.
"Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," Lewis explained.
He recounted his post‑retirement life, noting that he took a commentator role with HBO, which kept him close to the sport he loves while also providing a buffer against the urge to fight again. "I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," he said, emphasizing the satisfaction he found in having achieved his lifelong goals.
Lewis’s final fight was a memorable clash against Vitali Klitschko, a bout that was both brutal and historic. He recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s advice: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight," to which Lewis responded, "Well, I'll take it." The fight was far from pretty, but it ended in a victory that capped Lewis’s career on a high note. This win against a future dominant champion cemented his status as one of the sport’s greats.
When asked about his aspirations, Lewis reiterated that he always aimed to be the greatest heavyweight of his era. "From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he said. He drew inspiration from Muhammad Ali, expressing a desire to achieve the same level of recognition and respect: "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." In summary, Lewis’s endorsement of Usyk serves as a bridge between two generations of heavyweight champions. Usyk’s unbeaten record, his victories over the sport’s current elite, and his disciplined approach to training have earned him the admiration of one of boxing’s most revered figures.
As Usyk continues to defend his titles and perhaps explores unconventional matchups, the heavyweight world watches with anticipation, aware that they are witnessing the reign of a champion who has already been validated by the very man who once stood at the summit of the sport. Looking ahead, the boxing calendar for 2026 promises several high‑profile events, and fans can expect Usyk to be a central figure in many of them. Whether he chooses to retire after his upcoming bout with Verhoeven or decides to pursue further challenges, his legacy is already secure, bolstered by the respect of peers like Lennox Lewis and the admiration of a global audience. The narrative of a champion who has earned his place through hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication continues to unfold, and Usyk’s story is poised to become a defining chapter in the annals of heavyweight boxing.