Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, declaring him a fitting successor to the mantle of a "great" heavyweight world champion. Usyk, a Ukrainian fighter who captured the undisputed heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury in 2024, has become the first boxer since Lewis to hold all four major belts simultaneously, a feat that underscores his historic significance in the sport. Usyk's record remains flawless; he has never known defeat.
Over the past few years he has built a résumé that places him at the apex of his generation, boasting two victories over Tyson Fury, a pair of wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two successful outings against the hard‑hitting Daniel Dubois. Each of these triumphs has added layers to his reputation as the pre‑eminent heavyweight of the era. Lewis, who has observed Usyk training inside his own camp, described the Ukrainian as an "heir" worthy of the heavyweight throne.
"Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion and a great person; he works tirelessly in the gym," Lewis told Sky Sports. "He has done everything required of a champion. He has made sacrifices, he has a wonderful family, and he truly deserves the accolades that are coming his way." Usyk now finds himself approaching the final chapters of a career that has already produced a number of unforgettable moments. He is slated to face the celebrated Dutch kick‑boxing star Rico Verhoeven in an unconventional WBC heavyweight bout set to take place in Egypt.
The match, which blends two combat‑sport disciplines, highlights the difficulty that heavyweight champions often face when trying to step away from the ring permanently. The lure of high‑profile fights, the desire to test oneself against new challenges, and the financial incentives can make retirement a fleeting concept. The heavyweight division itself has been anything but static.
Tyson Fury, for instance, has retired and un‑retired on multiple occasions, a pattern that reflects the broader uncertainty many champions experience when deciding whether to hang up the gloves. Fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on the evolving schedule for 2026, eager to see which marquee match‑ups will finally materialise. Lewis, whose own career is often cited as the benchmark for heavyweight excellence, has also wrestled with the temptation of a comeback.
After hanging up his gloves, he found himself drawn back into the sport in a different capacity, taking on a commentary role with HBO. "There were many moments when I felt the urge to step back into the ring," Lewis admitted. "But discipline and focus kept me away. I wanted to retire for good and it was a constant battle to stay out of the spotlight." He reflected on the difficulty of truly leaving the sport that had defined his life.
"I told myself I had already achieved everything I could possibly achieve. I didn't need to prove anything more," he said.
"So I stayed away, even though the ring kept calling my name." Lewis's own retirement was marked by a dramatic victory over Vitali Klitschko, a bout that was as brutal as it was historic. The fight, which Lewis described as "not a pretty fight but I still won," was a testament to his willingness to face the toughest opponents of his time. His trainer, Emanuel Steward, had encouraged him to take the challenge, telling Lewis that beating a fighter of Klitschko's caliber would cement his legacy for both the present and the future.
Lewis accepted, and the win added another iconic chapter to his storied career. When asked about his ultimate ambition, Lewis replied that he always aimed to be the greatest heavyweight of his era, aspiring to emulate the legendary Muhammad Ali. "From the moment I started boxing, I wanted to be the best. I wanted to win every accolade, whether it was European, British, or any other title," he said.
"If I could collect them all, that would be enough." In sum, Lewis's endorsement of Usyk serves as a powerful validation of the Ukrainian's place in boxing history. Usyk's unbeaten run, his ability to dispatch former champions, and his willingness to step into novel fight formats all point to a champion who embodies the qualities Lewis himself prized: relentless work ethic, humility, and an unyielding desire to be the best.
As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, the torch that Lewis once carried now shines brightly in Usyk's hands, promising more memorable battles and a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.