Former world champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the heavyweight throne. Usyk’s rise to the top of the division has been nothing short of historic: after a dominant performance against Tyson Fury in 2024, he secured the distinction of being the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lewis himself held all four major belts. The Ukrainian fighter remains unbeaten, and his résumé now reads like a modern heavyweight litany of triumphs—two victories over Fury, a pair of wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and a double‑header of successes over the formidable Daniel Dubois.
Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camp first‑hand, said the Ukrainian’s work ethic and character make him a natural heir to the legacy of great heavyweight champions. "Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports, adding that the fighter has "done it all, sacrificed, has a wonderful family, and deserves his flowers." The endorsement from one of the sport’s most respected figures underscores how Usyk has cemented his status as the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his generation. Usyk’s career, however, is entering a new chapter that could see him stepping outside the traditional boxing ring.
Reports indicate he will soon face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in a unique WBC‑sanctioned bout in Egypt, a match that blurs the lines between boxing and kickboxing and could test Usyk’s adaptability in a different combat arena. While the prospect of such a crossover is intriguing, it also highlights a broader truth about heavyweight champions: retirement is rarely permanent. Even icons like Tyson Fury have retired and returned multiple times, illustrating how the lure of the sport can be difficult to resist. The boxing calendar for 2026 is already buzzing with anticipation for several marquee events, and fans are eager to see how Usyk’s evolving career will intersect with other big names.
Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to upcoming fights, while podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and insider perspectives. These media outlets help keep the sport’s narrative alive, especially as former champions transition into new roles. Lewis himself knows the pull of the ring all too well. After hanging up his gloves, he struggled with the temptation to return.
"Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring," he confessed, "but focus and discipline kept me out." He recounted how his post‑retirement work as a commentator for HBO kept him close to boxing, yet he deliberately chose 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, emphasizing his desire to preserve his legacy without chasing further accolades. Reflecting on his own storied career, Lewis recalled his final fight against Vitali Klitschko—a brutal encounter that tested both fighters to their limits. "My trainer Emanuel Steward said, 'listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight,' and I said, 'Well, I'll take it.' It wasn't a pretty fight but I still won," Lewis said. That victory, which came against a future dominant champion, served as a fitting capstone to his reign.
For Lewis, the ultimate goal was always clear: to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of his era, mirroring the legendary status of Muhammad Ali. "From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he asserted.
"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 pursue every major belt and cement his place in boxing history. Usyk’s journey, while distinct, echoes many of those same aspirations. His unbeaten record, combined with his willingness to face top‑tier opponents repeatedly, demonstrates a commitment to excellence that resonates with Lewis’s own philosophy.
As Usyk prepares for his unconventional bout in Egypt, the heavyweight division watches closely, aware that the sport’s narrative is being written by athletes who are unafraid to push boundaries. In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Oleksandr Usyk underscores the Ukrainian’s status as a true heir to heavyweight greatness. Usyk’s undisputed championship, his unbeaten streak, and his willingness to explore new combat formats illustrate a modern champion’s adaptability and drive. Meanwhile, Lewis’s reflections on retirement, legacy, and the ever‑present temptation to return to the ring provide a poignant backdrop, reminding fans that the heavyweight throne is both a prize and a responsibility—one that Usyk appears ready to uphold for years to come.