Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, declaring him a fitting heir to the mantle of a "great" heavyweight world champion. Usyk, the Ukrainian fighter, made history by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lewis himself, clinching the title in a high‑profile bout against Tyson Fury in 2024. That victory not only secured the undisputed status but also cemented Usyk's place at the pinnacle of modern heavyweight boxing. Usyk’s record remains spotless; he has never suffered a professional defeat.
Over the course of his career he has amassed a résumé that includes two victories over Tyson Fury, two wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over the formidable Daniel Dubois. Each of these wins has contributed to a growing consensus that Usyk is the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his generation. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, described the Ukrainian as a "great champion" and a "great person" who puts in relentless effort in the gym.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Lewis said, "Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard. He's done it all. He's sacrificed.
He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers." The former champion’s endorsement carries weight, given Lewis’s own storied career and his status as one of the sport’s all‑time greats. Usyk’s journey is entering its later phase, as he prepares for an unconventional WBC title bout in Egypt against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. While the fight is unusual—pitting a heavyweight boxer against a kickboxer—it underscores the willingness of top‑level fighters to seek fresh challenges even as they approach the twilight of their careers. Historically, heavyweight champions have found it difficult to stay retired, and Usyk appears no different.
The lure of competition, the desire to test oneself against new opponents, and the financial incentives all play a role in extending a champion’s tenure. The heavyweight division itself has seen a pattern of retirements and comebacks, most notably with Tyson Fury, who has announced retirement only to reverse his decision multiple times.
This volatility adds a layer of intrigue to the sport’s calendar, especially as fans anticipate the major matchups slated for 2026. Platforms like NOW offer contract‑free streaming for these events, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis for enthusiasts.
Lewis’s own career offers a parallel narrative. After achieving virtually every accolade available—Olympic gold, multiple world titles, and victories over the era’s top contenders—Lewis contemplated returning to the ring on several occasions. He admitted that the pull of the sport was strong, but discipline and a focus on his post‑boxing career kept him away. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring.
But focus, discipline kept me out," Lewis explained. He also recounted his transition to commentary work with HBO, which kept him close to the action without having to lace up his gloves again. Reflecting on his final fight, Lewis recalled his bout with Vitali Klitschko—a fierce contest that ended in a decisive win for Lewis.
He noted that his trainer, Emanuel Steward, had encouraged him to seize the moment, saying, "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight." Although the fight was far from pretty, Lewis emerged victorious and retired on a high note, having achieved his lifelong ambition of being the greatest heavyweight of his era. Lewis’s ambition was clear from the start of his career. He wanted to emulate Muhammad Ali, not only in skill but also in the breadth of his achievements.
"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," he said. This drive propelled him to dominate the heavyweight division for years, and now he sees a similar fire in Usyk. Usyk’s legacy, however, is still being written.
Beyond his victories over Fury, Joshua, and Dubois, he has demonstrated a versatility and tactical acumen that sets him apart. His ability to adapt his style—shifting from a slick, technical boxer‑puncher to a more aggressive pressure fighter when needed—has earned him praise from analysts and peers alike.
Moreover, his dedication to family life and his humility outside the ring have endeared him to fans worldwide. The upcoming clash with Verhoeven, while unconventional, could serve as a testament to Usyk’s willingness to push boundaries. Should he prevail, it would further solidify his reputation as a champion unafraid of novel challenges. Conversely, a loss would not diminish his achievements but would highlight the inherent risks of stepping outside one’s primary discipline.
In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Oleksandr Usyk underscores a passing of the torch within heavyweight boxing. Usyk’s unbeaten record, his conquest of the undisputed title, and his willingness to face new and diverse opponents mark him as a worthy successor to Lewis’s storied legacy. As the sport evolves and new matchups emerge, both veterans and rising stars continue to shape the narrative of heavyweight boxing, ensuring that the legacy of greatness endures across generations.