Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, describing him as a fitting heir to the mantle of a "great" heavyweight world champion. In Lewis’s view, Usyk embodies the qualities that define a champion of the highest order—skill, dedication, and a relentless work ethic. Usyk made history in 2024 when he secured the undisputed heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury, becoming the first boxer since Lewis to hold all four major belts simultaneously. The Ukrainian fighter has remained unbeaten, cementing his status as the premier heavyweight of his generation.
His résumé includes two victories over Fury, a pair of wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over the formidable Daniel Dubois. Each of these fights has added layers to his reputation, showcasing his versatility, tactical intelligence, and physical resilience. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, affirmed that the Ukrainian’s achievements merit recognition as a true successor to his own storied career. "Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports.
The former champion went on to highlight Usyk’s personal qualities, noting his sacrifices, strong family support, and the respect he commands within the boxing community. "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 holds for the man who now carries the heavyweight crown.
Usyk’s journey, however, is not without its own twists. He is currently approaching the twilight of his career, with a highly unusual WBC title bout slated against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.
The matchup, blending boxing and kickboxing styles, reflects the evolving nature of combat sports and the willingness of top athletes to test themselves in novel arenas. While many heavyweight champions have struggled to stay retired—Fury, for example, has announced retirement only to reverse his decision multiple times—Usyk appears poised to embrace this new challenge as a final chapter to an already illustrious career. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 promises a slew of marquee events, and fans are eagerly anticipating how Usyk’s potential departure will reshape the heavyweight landscape. Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to upcoming fights, while podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and insight into the sport’s evolving narratives.
Lewis himself reflects on his own legacy, acknowledging that he achieved virtually everything possible in the ring. Yet, the temptation to return lingered.
"Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," he confessed. The former champion described the internal battle between the desire to compete and the need to move on, noting that his work as an HBO commentator kept him close to the sport without stepping back into the squared circle.
"I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," he explained. One of Lewis’s most memorable victories came against Vitali Klitschko, a bout that was both brutal and pivotal. He recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight." Lewis accepted the challenge, acknowledging that while the fight was far from pretty, it was a defining moment that cemented his place among the greats.
"It wasn’t a pretty fight but I still won," he said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and strategic execution. Reflecting on his own aspirations, Lewis affirmed that his ultimate goal was to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of his era, mirroring the legacy of icons like Muhammad Ali.
"From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he declared. "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." This ambition drove him to pursue every major title and to defend his status against the toughest opponents of his time.
In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Oleksandr Usyk underscores a passing of the torch within the heavyweight division. Usyk’s unbeaten record, his victories over multiple former champions, and his willingness to engage in groundbreaking matchups position him as a worthy heir to Lewis’s legendary status.
As the sport looks ahead to future battles and the inevitable retirement of its current stars, the narrative of dedication, sacrifice, and excellence continues to inspire both fighters and fans alike.