Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting heir to the heavyweight throne. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Lewis highlighted Usyk’s achievements, noting that the Ukrainian fighter has become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lewis himself, after defeating Tyson Fury in 2024.
Usyk’s record remains spotless; he has not suffered a loss and has cemented his status as the preeminent heavyweight of his generation with two victories over Fury, two over Anthony Joshua, and two over Daniel Dubois. Lewis, who has spent time observing Usyk’s training camp, described the champion as a diligent worker and a person of high character.
"Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports. He added that Usyk has earned every accolade, saying, "He’s done it all.
He’s sacrificed. He’s got a great family and he deserves his flowers." Usyk is now approaching the twilight of his career, with a highly anticipated bout against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in an unconventional WBC title fight set for Egypt. The matchup underscores how difficult it can be for heavyweight champions to step away from the sport permanently. Even iconic figures such as Tyson Fury have retired only to return to the ring multiple times, illustrating the magnetic pull of heavyweight boxing.
The broader boxing calendar for 2026 promises a series of marquee events, and fans can stay up‑to‑date through platforms like Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, which offers news, video highlights, analysis, and more. Meanwhile, streaming services such as NOW provide contract‑free access to live fights, and podcasts like Toe2Toe deliver weekly commentary on the sport’s latest developments.
Lewis himself is a legend who achieved virtually everything possible in the ring. He once faced the formidable Vitali Klitschko in a brutal contest, emerging victorious and solidifying his reputation as a fighter who could overcome both present and future challenges.
Reflecting on his own career, Lewis admitted that the temptation to return to competition was strong, but discipline kept him retired. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," he said. He explained that after his retirement, he took a commentator role with HBO, which kept him close to the sport while allowing him to step away from the physical demands of boxing.
"I said I’ve done everything already, I don’t need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," he added. Lewis’s journey from a hungry amateur to a world‑beating champion was driven by an ambition to be the greatest heavyweight of his era, a goal he pursued with the same fervor as Muhammad Ali.
"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," Lewis recalled. Usyk’s rise mirrors many of those aspirations. After a decorated amateur career, where he captured multiple Olympic gold medals, Usyk turned professional and quickly ascended the ranks, first dominating the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight. His technical skill, footwork, and relentless work ethic have drawn comparisons to the sport’s all‑time greats.
The victory over Fury in 2024 not only earned him the undisputed title but also placed him in a rarefied group of boxers who have unified the heavyweight crowns. Beyond the titles, Usyk’s personal story adds depth to his legacy. Hailing from a war‑torn region of Ukraine, he has spoken openly about the challenges his family faced and the motivation that drives him to represent his country on the global stage. His dedication to training, coupled with a supportive family environment, has been a cornerstone of his success.
This narrative resonates with fans who see him as more than just a fighter; he is a symbol of resilience and national pride. Looking ahead, the upcoming clash with Verhoeven promises to be a fascinating stylistic showdown: a classic heavyweight boxer versus a seasoned kick‑boxer. Analysts predict that Usyk’s superior boxing IQ and movement will be tested against Verhoeven’s power and unorthodox striking.
Regardless of the outcome, the fight will further cement Usyk’s place in heavyweight history, whether as a champion who defended his titles against unconventional opponents or as a figure who helped evolve the sport’s boundaries. In summary, Lennox Lewis’s endorsement underscores the respect Usyk commands among his peers. The Ukrainian’s unbeaten record, his victories over the era’s top contenders, and his personal journey from a conflict‑ridden homeland to the pinnacle of boxing all combine to make him a worthy successor to Lewis’s storied legacy.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, fans can look forward to more historic moments, whether from seasoned veterans like Lewis reflecting on their past or rising stars like Usyk forging new chapters in the annals of boxing.