Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the legacy that Lewis helped build. In Lewis’s view, Usyk embodies the qualities of a true heavyweight king: relentless work ethic, humility, and an unyielding desire to excel inside the ring.
Usyk’s ascent to the top of the heavyweight division has been nothing short of historic. When he faced Tyson Fury in 2024, he secured the first undisputed heavyweight title since Lewis’s own reign, unifying all major belts and cementing his place in boxing history. The Ukrainian fighter has remained unbeaten, compiling an impressive résumé that includes two victories over Fury, two wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over the powerful contender Daniel Dubois. Each of these bouts showcased Usyk’s technical brilliance, strategic acumen, and physical resilience, qualities that have earned him the admiration of veterans and fans alike.
Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps and watched his fights up close, described the Ukrainian as "a great champion, a great person, he trains hard." Speaking to Sky Sports, Lewis emphasized that Usyk’s success is the result of sacrifice and dedication. "He’s done it all. He’s sacrificed.
He’s got a great family and he deserves his flowers," Lewis said, underscoring the personal discipline that underpins Usyk’s achievements. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Usyk shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently preparing for an unconventional bout against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven for the WBC heavyweight title in Egypt, a fight that promises to blend two combat sports and attract global attention. This willingness to take on new challenges reflects Usyk’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of his sport, much like the greats before him.
The heavyweight division, however, has a reputation for being unforgiving to aging champions. Many former titleholders have struggled to stay retired, and the lure of the ring often proves irresistible. Tyson Fury, for instance, has retired and unretired multiple times, illustrating how difficult it can be for elite fighters to step away permanently.
Lewis himself knows this struggle intimately. After a storied career that saw him capture every major heavyweight accolade, he contemplated a comeback on several occasions.
"Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring," Lewis admitted, "but focus, discipline kept me out." He explained that the temptation to return was strong, yet his commitment to staying retired was reinforced by his new role as a commentator for HBO, which kept him close to the sport without the physical demands of competition. "I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," he reflected.
Reflecting on his own legacy, Lewis highlighted the moment he defeated Vitali Klitschko—a fight that was brutal and decisive, and which cemented his status as one of the era’s premier heavyweights. "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 recalled, emphasizing the gritty determination that defined his career. For Lewis, the ultimate goal was always to be regarded as the greatest heavyweight of his generation, a benchmark he set for himself early in his boxing journey. "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, whether it was European, British, or any other title, as long as I won them all." In praising Usyk, Lewis not only acknowledges the Ukrainian’s current dominance but also signals a passing of the torch. Usyk’s blend of technical skill, strategic intelligence, and unbreakable spirit mirrors the attributes that made Lewis a legend.
As Usyk continues to defend his titles and explore novel matchups—such as the upcoming clash with Verhoeven—he is poised to write the next chapter in heavyweight history, carrying forward the standard of excellence that champions like Lewis established. The boxing world watches with anticipation, knowing that the era of great heavyweight champions is far from over, and that Oleksandr Usyk stands ready to uphold the legacy of greatness.