Former world champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" heavyweight champion and a fitting heir to his own storied legacy. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Lewis highlighted Usyk’s achievements, his work ethic, and the respect he commands inside the ring, painting a picture of a fighter who has not only followed in Lewis’s footsteps but also carved out his own unique place in boxing history. Usyk’s rise to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division is remarkable. He became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lewis when he secured the unification bout against Tyson Fury in 2024, a fight that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
The Ukrainian boxer remains unbeaten, a record that speaks volumes about his consistency and skill. Over the past few years, Usyk has amassed a series of high‑profile victories that solidify his claim as the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his era: two wins over Tyson Fury, two triumphs against former champion Anthony Joshua, and a pair of decisive victories over rising contender Daniel Dubois. Each of these bouts showcased his technical proficiency, strategic acumen, and relentless determination. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps and preparation firsthand, described him as "a great champion, a great person, he trains hard." He emphasized that Usyk’s dedication extends beyond the ropes, noting the fighter’s strong family values and the sacrifices he has made to reach the summit of 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 personal qualities that complement Usyk’s athletic prowess. The conversation also touched on the broader context of heavyweight boxing, a division where longevity is rare and retirement decisions are often fluid.
Usyk, now entering the later stages of his career, is slated to face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in an unconventional WBC title bout scheduled to take place in Egypt. This matchup illustrates the evolving nature of combat sports, where cross‑disciplinary contests are becoming more common, offering fans fresh narratives and fighters new challenges. Lewis reflected on his own retirement journey, sharing that the temptation to return to the ring was a recurring thought. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring.
But focus, discipline kept me out," he confessed. He recounted his post‑boxing career as a commentator for HBO, a role that kept him close to the sport he loves while also providing a platform to stay engaged 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," Lewis explained, emphasizing the personal satisfaction he derived from having achieved his lifelong goal of being the greatest heavyweight of his era. Lewis’s own career is a testament to what he now sees in Usyk.
He retired on a high note after a brutal encounter with Vitali Klitschko, a fight that was as intense as it was historic. Recalling that bout, Lewis said, "My trainer Emanuel Steward told me, '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." That victory cemented his status as a dominant force and provided a fitting capstone to an illustrious career. When asked about his ambitions during his early days, Lewis admitted that he aimed to emulate the legendary Muhammad Ali, seeking to collect every possible accolade across continents.
"From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight. 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," he recalled. This drive propelled him to achieve a rare trifecta of world titles and an undisputed championship, feats that only a handful of heavyweights have ever accomplished.
In evaluating Usyk’s place in the sport, Lewis drew parallels between the two champions’ dedication to preparation and their ability to adapt. Usyk’s transition from cruiserweight to heavyweight, culminating in his undisputed status, mirrors Lewis’s own evolution from a promising prospect to a dominant champion. Both fighters have shown a willingness to face the toughest opponents, whether it be Fury, Joshua, or Dubois for Usyk, or Klitschko, McCall, and others for Lewis. The conversation also touched on the modern landscape of boxing media and fan engagement.
Lewis mentioned the importance of platforms like Sky Sports, WhatsApp updates, and podcasts such as Toe2Toe in keeping the sport accessible and exciting for a global audience. He highlighted how these channels allow fans to follow the sport’s narratives in real time, from upcoming fight schedules in 2026 to streaming options that bypass traditional contracts. Looking ahead, Lewis expressed optimism about Usyk’s future, acknowledging that while the heavyweight division is notoriously unforgiving, Usyk’s blend of technical skill, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude positions him well for continued success. "He’s a champion who respects the sport, respects his opponents, and respects the legacy he’s inheriting," Lewis concluded.
"If anyone can carry the torch forward, it’s Oleksandr Usyk." In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Oleksandr Usyk underscores a passing of the torch within heavyweight boxing. Usyk’s unbeaten record, his unification of the heavyweight titles, and his willingness to take on unconventional challenges reflect the qualities that made Lewis a legend. As the sport evolves, the dialogue between past and present champions continues to shape its narrative, offering fans a rich tapestry of history, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.