Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, declaring him a fitting heir to the mantle of a "great" heavyweight world champion. In Lewis’s view, Usyk embodies the qualities that define a true champion—skill, dedication, and character—making him an appropriate successor to the legacy Lewis helped build.
Usyk’s rise to the top of the heavyweight division has been nothing short of historic. In 2024, he secured the undisputed heavyweight crown by defeating Tyson Fury, becoming the first boxer since Lewis himself to hold all four major titles simultaneously. This achievement placed Usyk in an elite club of fighters who have unified the heavyweight belts, a feat that underscores his dominance in the sport.
The Ukrainian fighter remains unbeaten, and his record reads like a who's‑who of modern heavyweight talent. He has bested Tyson Fury twice, outpointed Anthony Joshua on two occasions, and also recorded two victories over the powerful British contender Daniel Dubois.
These wins have cemented Usyk’s reputation as the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his generation, a status that has not gone unnoticed by his peers. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, affirmed his admiration in an interview with Sky Sports. "Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis said, adding that the Ukrainian’s work ethic and personal virtues set him apart. "He's done it all.
He's sacrificed. He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers." The conversation around Usyk’s future is already buzzing.
While he is approaching the latter stages of his career, plans are underway for a highly unusual bout in Egypt where he will face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven for a WBC title. Such a cross‑disciplinary matchup highlights the adventurous spirit that still drives Usyk, even as many heavyweight champions contemplate retirement. The sport has shown that stepping away is rarely permanent—Tyson Fury, for instance, has retired and returned multiple times, illustrating the magnetic pull of the ring.
Lewis himself is no stranger to the temptation of a comeback. After a storied career that saw him defeat legends like Vitali Klitschko, he retired on a high note but often felt the urge to return. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring," he confessed, "but focus and discipline kept me out." He explained that his post‑boxing career as a commentator for HBO kept him close to the sport, yet he deliberately chose to stay away from competition. "I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything more.
So I stayed out of boxing," he reflected. His final fight against Vitali Klitschko remains a testament to his tenacity. Lewis recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s advice: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight." Though the bout was brutal and far from pretty, Lewis emerged victorious, adding another chapter to his legendary résumé.
For Lewis, the ultimate goal was always to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of his era—a dream inspired by icons like Muhammad Ali. "From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he said.
"I wanted to be just like Muhammad Ali and win all the accolades, whether they were European, British, or any other titles, as long as I won them all." Usyk’s journey mirrors that ambition. By unifying the titles and consistently defeating top‑ranked opponents, he has carved out a place in boxing history that aligns with the lofty aspirations Lewis once held. The respect Lewis shows for Usyk is not merely ceremonial; it reflects a genuine acknowledgment that Usyk has achieved what many consider the pinnacle of the sport.
Looking ahead, the boxing world anticipates how Usyk will navigate the twilight of his career. The upcoming clash with Verhoeven could either cement his status as a versatile combat athlete or serve as a final showcase before he hangs up his gloves.
Regardless of the outcome, the endorsement from a former champion of Lewis’s stature adds significant weight to Usyk’s legacy. In summary, Lennard Lewis’s endorsement underscores a passing of the torch from one heavyweight great to another. Usyk’s unbeaten record, his unification of the heavyweight crowns, and his willingness to take on unconventional challenges all point to a champion who not only honors the traditions of the sport but also pushes its boundaries. As Lewis aptly put it, Usyk has earned his flowers, and the boxing community will continue to watch his next moves with keen interest.