Former world champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the legacy Lewis helped build. Usyk’s rise to the pinnacle of the sport has been nothing short of historic. In 2024 he secured the undisputed heavyweight crown by defeating Tyson Fury, a feat that marked the first time since Lewis’s own reign that a fighter held every major heavyweight belt simultaneously.
Usyk’s record remains spotless, and his résumé reads like a who's‑who of modern heavyweight talent. He has bested Fury twice, outpointed Anthony Joshua in two separate bouts, and also secured victories over the formidable Daniel Dubois on two occasions. Each of those wins has reinforced his claim as the premier heavyweight of his generation.
Lewis, who has spent time observing Usyk’s training camp, says the Ukrainian embodies the qualities of a true champion. "Oleksandr is a great champion, a great person, and he works incredibly hard," Lewis told Sky Sports.
"He has done it all, made sacrifices, has a wonderful family, and truly deserves his accolades." The conversation around Usyk also touches on the inevitable question of longevity. At this stage in his career, Usyk is gearing up for an unconventional bout in Egypt against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven, a match that will be contested for a WBC title. The prospect of a heavyweight champion stepping into the ring with a kickboxer is unusual, yet it underscores Usyk’s desire to test himself against diverse challenges. History shows that staying retired is a tough proposition for heavyweight royalty; Tyson Fury, for instance, has retired and unretired multiple times, illustrating how the lure of the sport can be irresistible.
Looking ahead, boxing fans are already speculating about the 2026 schedule and the marquee fights that could define the next era. Streaming platforms and podcasts, such as the Toe2Toe series, are promising in‑depth analysis and highlights, ensuring that the sport remains accessible to a global audience.
Meanwhile, Lewis himself reflects on his own journey. Having achieved virtually every milestone available to a heavyweight—Olympic gold, multiple world titles, and iconic victories—he admits the temptation to return to the ring was ever‑present. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring, but focus and discipline kept me out," he said.
"I wanted to retire, to say I’m done, and it was hard to stay away. HBO gave me a commentator role, which kept me close to the sport, but I kept telling myself I’d already proven everything I needed to." Lewis’s final bout remains a highlight of his career: a brutal encounter with Vitali Klitschko, who would later ascend to become a dominant champion in his own right.
Recalling that fight, Lewis said, "My trainer Emanuel Steward told me, ‘You can beat the present and the future with this fight,’ and I thought, ‘Well, I’ll take it.’ It wasn’t pretty, but I won." That victory epitomized his relentless drive to be the best. "From the moment I started boxing, I aimed to be the greatest heavyweight," Lewis explained.
"I wanted to emulate Muhammad Ali, to collect every accolade—European, British, world—no matter the banner, as long as I was the champion." In comparing the two legends, Lewis sees a clear line of continuity. Usyk’s disciplined work ethic, his willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the sport, and his success across multiple high‑profile opponents mirror the attributes that defined Lewis’s own reign. The Ukrainian’s upcoming fight against Verhoeven, while unconventional, could further cement his status as a versatile and daring champion, much as Lewis did when he faced a range of opponents from different styles and backgrounds. The broader narrative of heavyweight boxing is one of cycles—great champions rise, dominate, and eventually pass the torch.
Lewis’s endorsement of Usyk not only validates the Ukrainian’s achievements but also signals a passing of the mantle. As the sport evolves, new challenges emerge: cross‑disciplinary bouts, streaming‑first events, and a global fan base hungry for fresh stories. Usyk appears ready to meet those challenges head‑on, carrying forward the legacy of dedication, resilience, and excellence that Lennox Lewis so often speaks about.
For fans following the sport, the message is clear: the heavyweight division remains vibrant, with seasoned veterans like Lewis offering perspective and new stars like Usyk forging the path forward. Whether Usyk’s next fight is a traditional title defense or an experimental clash with a kickboxing icon, his commitment to the craft and his proven ability to triumph over elite competition suggest that he will continue to be a central figure in heavyweight boxing for years to come. Lewis’s affirmation serves as both a tribute to Usyk’s current accomplishments and a forecast of his enduring impact on the sport.