Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a fitting heir to the mantle of a "great" heavyweight champion. Usyk, the Ukrainian fighter who clinched the undisputed heavyweight crown in 2024 by defeating Tyson Fury, has become the first boxer since Lewis to hold all four major heavyweight titles simultaneously.
His unbeaten record and a string of high‑profile victories have solidified his reputation as the premier heavyweight of his generation. Usyk’s résumé reads like a modern‑day heavyweight hall of fame. He has bested Tyson Fury twice, out‑pointed Anthony Joshua on two occasions, and secured two wins over the formidable Daniel Dubois.
Each triumph has added another layer to his growing legend, and Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, says the Ukrainian embodies the qualities of a true champion. "Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports, emphasizing the fighter’s dedication and character. The former three‑time world heavyweight champion went on to highlight Usyk’s personal virtues, noting his sacrifices, supportive family, and the respect he has earned throughout the sport.
"He's done it all. He's sacrificed.
He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers," Lewis added, underscoring the admiration he feels for the younger boxer. Usyk now finds himself in the twilight of his career, preparing for an unconventional bout against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven for a WBC title in Egypt. While heavyweight champions often struggle with retirement—Fury, for instance, has retired and un‑retired multiple times—Usyk’s willingness to step into the ring for such a unique challenge reflects his enduring competitive spirit. Lewis, who himself is regarded as one of boxing’s all‑time greats, has spoken candidly about his own retirement struggles.
After a storied career that saw him defeat the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko, he found it difficult to stay away from the sport he loved. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," Lewis recalled.
He explained that even after transitioning to a commentator role with HBO, the pull of the squared circle remained strong. "I wanted to retire and say I'm not coming back and it was hard to stay out of the ring," he admitted. "I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing." Reflecting on his final fights, Lewis remembered his victory over Vitali Klitschko—a brutal, gritty contest that nonetheless ended in triumph.
He recounted his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight," to which Lewis replied, "Well, I'll take it." Although the bout was far from pretty, it cemented Lewis’s legacy as a fighter who could overcome any opponent. Lewis’s ambition throughout his career was simple yet lofty: to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of all time, mirroring the achievements of 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 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." In praising Usyk, Lewis not only acknowledges the Ukrainian’s accomplishments but also passes the torch to a new era of heavyweight excellence.
Usyk’s blend of technical skill, relentless work ethic, and composure under pressure aligns with the attributes Lewis valued in his own career. As the sport evolves, the endorsement from a legend like Lewis adds weight to Usyk’s claim as the rightful successor to the heavyweight throne. The broader boxing community has taken note of this endorsement.
Fans and analysts alike see Usyk’s continued dominance as a sign that the heavyweight division is entering a period of stability after years of fragmentation. His upcoming bout with Verhoeven, though unconventional, could further demonstrate his adaptability and willingness to test himself against athletes from other combat sports, a trait that resonates with Lewis’s own willingness to face any challenge.
Looking ahead, the heavyweight landscape appears poised for exciting matchups. Usyk’s unbeaten streak, combined with his proven ability to defeat elite opponents, sets the stage for potential clashes with rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. Whether he chooses to defend his titles against traditional boxers or continue to explore cross‑disciplinary fights, his trajectory will likely be watched closely by both the boxing establishment and casual fans.
In summary, Lennox Lewis’s commendation of Oleksandr Usyk underscores a passing of the torch from one heavyweight icon to the next. Usyk’s record, his dedication to training, and his personal integrity have earned him the respect of a former champion who knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
As Usyk moves forward, he carries not only his own aspirations but also the legacy of those who came before him, promising to keep the heavyweight division vibrant and competitive for years to come.