Former heavyweight titan Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, declaring him a fitting heir to the mantle of a "great" heavyweight world champion. Usyk’s rise to the pinnacle of the sport has been nothing short of historic; in 2024 he clinched the undisputed heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury, becoming the first boxer since Lewis himself to hold every major belt simultaneously. The Ukrainian fighter remains unbeaten and has solidified his reputation as the preeminent heavyweight of his generation, boasting two victories over Fury, a pair of wins against Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over Daniel Dubois. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps up close, described the champion as “a great champion, a great person, he trains hard.” Speaking to Sky Sports, the British legend said, "He's done it all.
He's sacrificed. He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers." Lewis’s endorsement carries weight, given his own storied career in which he conquered every major accolade available to a heavyweight. His comments underscore a rare continuity in the sport: a former king acknowledging the next in line. Usyk’s career, while already glittering, is now entering its later chapters.
He is slated to face kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in an unconventional WBC title bout slated for Egypt, a matchup that highlights the evolving nature of heavyweight boxing and the willingness of champions to test themselves across disciplines. Yet, history shows that staying retired is a challenge for heavyweight icons. Fury, for instance, has retired and un‑retired multiple times, illustrating the magnetic pull of the ring. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with marquee events, and fans can follow the action via streaming platforms such as NOW, or tune into the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for in‑depth analysis.
Highlights and full‑fight replays are also widely available, ensuring that enthusiasts can keep up with every twist and turn in the sport. Lewis himself reflects on his own legacy with a mix of pride and humility.
He acknowledges that, even after achieving everything a boxer could aspire to, the temptation to step back into the ring lingered. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring.
But focus, discipline kept me out," he admitted. His post‑retirement life included a stint as a commentator for HBO, which kept him close to the sport he loves while he wrestled with the desire to stay away from competition.
"I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," Lewis explained.
One of the defining moments of Lewis’s career was his brutal encounter with Vitali Klitschko, a bout that ended with Lewis emerging victorious in a fight that many described as violent and unforgiving. He recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words: "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 cemented Lewis’s status as a warrior willing to confront any challenge.
Looking back, Lewis says his ultimate goal was always to be the greatest heavyweight of his era, a dream inspired by the legendary 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 title, as long as I won them all." This ambition drove him to achieve a career that many consider the benchmark for modern heavyweights. Usyk’s ascent mirrors many of those aspirations.
By unifying the belts and defeating top‑ranked opponents, he has not only earned the respect of his peers but also the admiration of legends like Lewis. The Ukrainian’s disciplined training regimen, strong family support, and strategic approach to each fight have become hallmarks of his reign. As he prepares for the upcoming clash with Verhoeven, analysts anticipate a bout that could further redefine heavyweight boundaries, blending traditional boxing with elements of kick‑boxing. The narrative of heavyweight boxing is one of continual evolution, where each champion builds upon the legacy of those before them.
Lewis’s endorsement of Usyk serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, linking two eras of dominance. While Lewis enjoys his retirement, occasionally stepping into the commentary booth or reflecting on his storied past, Usyk stands at the forefront, ready to write the next chapter of heavyweight history. In summary, Lennox Lewis’s tribute to Oleksandr Usyk underscores the Ukrainian’s status as a "great" champion and a worthy successor to the heavyweight throne.
Usyk’s unbeaten record, his victories over the sport’s elite, and his upcoming challenges all point to a career that not only honors the past but also paves the way for the future of heavyweight boxing. The sport’s fans can look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds, with Usyk poised to cement his legacy alongside the legends who have come before him.