Lennox Lewis, the legendary former heavyweight champion, has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a fitting heir to the throne of heavyweight boxing. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Lewis described Usyk as a "great champion" and a "great person" who puts in relentless effort in the gym. This endorsement carries weight, as Lewis has observed Usyk’s training camp firsthand and recognizes the dedication that fuels his success. Usyk’s ascent to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division has been nothing short of historic.
In 2024, he secured the undisputed heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury, a victory that made him the first boxer since Lewis to hold all major belts simultaneously. The Ukrainian fighter has remained unbeaten, compiling an impressive résumé that includes two victories over Fury, two wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over the powerful Daniel Dubois. These achievements have solidified his reputation as the premier heavyweight of his generation.
Lewis highlighted several qualities that set Usyk apart. "He’s done it all," Lewis said, emphasizing the champion’s willingness to sacrifice and his strong family support system. "He’s a hard worker, he trains hard, and he deserves every accolade he receives." The former champion’s remarks underscore a deep respect for the discipline and perseverance that have defined Usyk’s career.
While Usyk appears to be in the twilight of his career, he is not stepping away from the sport entirely. He is slated to face kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven in a unique WBC title bout slated for Egypt, a match that blends traditional boxing with elements of kickboxing and promises to be a spectacle for fans worldwide. This unusual crossover highlights the evolving nature of combat sports, where athletes increasingly seek novel challenges beyond the conventional boxing ring. The heavyweight division, historically known for its longevity, often sees champions wrestling with the decision to retire.
Tyson Fury, for instance, has retired and unretired multiple times, reflecting the difficulty many heavyweight fighters face in stepping away from the limelight. Lewis himself grappled with this dilemma after hanging up his gloves.
He admitted that the pull of the ring was strong, yet discipline and a focus on his post‑boxing career kept him from returning. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring," Lewis recalled, "but focus, discipline kept me out." After retiring, Lewis transitioned into a broadcasting role with HBO, which allowed him to stay connected to the sport without the physical demands of competition. He described this period as a balancing act between his desire to remain involved and his determination to avoid the temptation of a comeback. "I said I’ve done everything already, I don’t need to prove anything anymore.
So I stayed out of boxing," he explained. Reflecting on his own career, Lewis recounted his final fight against Vitali Klitschko, a bout that was both brutal and memorable.
He recalled his trainer, Emanuel Steward, urging him to seize the moment: "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 was a fitting climax to his storied tenure. "It wasn’t a pretty fight but I still won," he said, underscoring his competitive spirit even in the face of adversity.
Lewis’s ambition throughout his career was crystal clear: he wanted to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of all time, a goal inspired by icons like Muhammad Ali. He pursued titles across Europe, Britain, and beyond, aiming to collect every possible accolade.
"From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he affirmed. "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." Usyk’s journey mirrors this relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born in Ukraine, he first made his mark as a dominant light‑heavyweight, unifying those titles before moving up to heavyweight. His technical proficiency, footwork, and ring IQ have drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s all‑time greats, and his ability to adapt to larger opponents has been a hallmark of his reign. The fights against Fury, Joshua, and Dubois each showcased a different facet of his skill set—whether it was out‑boxing a larger opponent, delivering knockout power, or employing strategic patience to wear down his adversaries. Beyond the ring, Usyk’s personal life reflects the stability that Lewis praised.
He is married with children, and his family has often been cited as a source of motivation and grounding. This support network, combined with his disciplined training regimen, has allowed him to maintain peak performance well into his thirties, a period when many heavyweights begin to decline. Looking ahead, the upcoming bout with Verhoeven could serve as a defining moment not only for Usyk but for the broader landscape of combat sports.
A successful crossover could open doors for future collaborations between boxing and kickboxing organizations, potentially reshaping how titles are contested and how athletes market themselves across disciplines. In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Oleksandr Usyk underscores a passing of the torch from one era’s titan to the next. Usyk’s record, work ethic, and personal character align with the qualities that made Lewis a legend.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, fans can anticipate that Usyk will strive to uphold the standards set by his predecessor, aiming to cement his own legacy as one of the sport’s all‑time greats.