Lennox Lewis, one of the sport’s most celebrated heavyweight champions, has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a fitting heir to the throne of great heavyweight champions. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Lewis highlighted Usyk’s work ethic, character and achievements, positioning him as a natural continuation of the high standards Lewis set during his own illustrious career.
Usyk’s rise to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division has been nothing short of historic. In 2024, he captured the undisputed heavyweight crown by defeating Tyson Fury, becoming the first boxer since Lewis to hold every major heavyweight title simultaneously. The Ukrainian’s record remains spotless; he has never been defeated inside the ring.
Over the past few years, he has added to his résumé with two victories over Fury, two wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and a pair of triumphs over the powerful Daniel Dubois. Each of these wins has reinforced his claim as the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his generation. Having observed Usyk’s training camp firsthand, Lewis described him as “a great champion, a great person, he trains hard.” He went on to add that Usyk “has done it all, he’s sacrificed, he has a wonderful family, and he truly deserves his flowers.” These remarks underline the respect Lewis holds for Usyk’s dedication both inside and outside the ropes.
Usyk is now approaching the latter stages of his career, with a highly anticipated bout against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven on the cards for a unique WBC title fight in Egypt. The match, which blends boxing and kick‑boxing styles, promises to test Usyk’s adaptability and further cement his legacy.
Yet, as with many heavyweight champions, the temptation to step away from the sport is often outweighed by the desire to keep competing at the highest level. Heavyweight champions, in particular, find retirement a challenging decision because the allure of the spotlight and the opportunity to add more chapters to an already storied career can be irresistible. The landscape of heavyweight boxing continues to evolve. Tyson Fury, for instance, has retired and unretired multiple times, illustrating how difficult it can be for elite fighters to remain away from the ring.
Fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on the 2026 boxing calendar, which promises a series of marquee matchups that could reshape the hierarchy of the division. Lewis himself, despite having achieved everything conceivable in the sport, has wrestled with the pull of a comeback. He admitted, “Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out.” The former champion explained that his transition to a commentary role with HBO kept him close to the action, yet he was determined to stay out of the ring.
“I said I’ve done everything already, I don’t need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing,” he reflected, emphasizing his commitment to his post‑fighting life. One of Lewis’s most memorable victories came against Vitali Klitschko, a bout that was both brutal and decisive.
He recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words: “Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight.” Lewis accepted the challenge, noting that while the fight was far from pretty, it resulted in a hard‑won victory that cemented his reputation. Reflecting on his own career, Lewis said his ultimate goal was to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of his era, a dream he pursued from the moment he first laced up gloves. “I wanted to be just like Muhammad Ali and win all the accolades, whether they were European, British, or global, as long as I won them all,” he explained.
This ambition drove him to dominate opponents, break records, and leave an indelible mark on boxing history. In praising Usyk, Lewis effectively draws a line of continuity between two generations of champions. While Lewis’s era was defined by his powerful jab, strategic brilliance and charismatic presence, Usyk brings a modern blend of technical finesse, relentless stamina and an unyielding will to unify the heavyweight titles. Both fighters share a common thread: an unwavering dedication to excellence and a desire to be remembered among the sport’s elite.
As Usyk prepares for his upcoming clash with Verhoeven, the boxing world watches with anticipation. If he emerges victorious, he will not only add another distinctive win to his record but also reinforce the narrative that he is the rightful successor to legends like Lewis. The fight will also serve as a testament to the evolving nature of heavyweight boxing, where athletes must adapt to new challenges while preserving the core values that define champions. In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Oleksandr Usyk underscores a rare passing of the torch within the heavyweight division.
Usyk’s unbeaten streak, his multiple victories over top‑ranked opponents, and his commitment to the sport echo the qualities that made Lewis a legend. As the heavyweight landscape continues to shift, Usyk stands poised to carry forward the legacy of greatness, just as Lewis once did, ensuring that the lineage of extraordinary champions endures for future generations.