Former heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the throne of heavyweight boxing. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Lewis highlighted Usyk’s impressive résumé and the dedication he brings to the sport, underscoring why the Ukrainian fighter deserves the accolades he’s receiving. Usyk’s ascent to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division is historic. In 2024, he secured the undisputed heavyweight crown by defeating Tyson Fury, marking the first time since Lewis himself that a boxer held all four major belts simultaneously.
That victory cemented Usyk’s place in the record books and signaled a new era for the heavyweight class. The unbeaten Ukrainian has built a résumé that reads like a checklist of modern heavyweight milestones.
He has bested Tyson Fury twice, outpointed Anthony Joshua in two separate bouts, and dispatched the powerful Daniel Dubois on two occasions. Each of these victories has reinforced his claim as the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his generation, and they have not gone unnoticed by former champions. Lewis, who has watched Usyk train from the sidelines on several occasions, described the champion as “a great champion, a great person, he trains hard.” He added that Usyk’s commitment extends beyond the gym, 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 said, emphasizing that Usyk’s achievements merit celebration. Despite his recent successes, Usyk is already looking toward the twilight of his career.
He is slated to face kick‑boxing sensation Rico Verhoeven in an unconventional WBC title bout scheduled to take place in Egypt. The matchup, which blends boxing and kick‑boxing disciplines, is unusual for a heavyweight champion and reflects the evolving landscape of combat sports. While some observers wonder how long Usyk will remain at the top, history shows that heavyweight champions often struggle to step away permanently.
Even legends like Tyson Fury have retired and returned multiple times, illustrating how the allure of the ring can be difficult to resist. Lewis, who retired after a storied career that included victories over the likes of Mike Tyson, Vitali Klitschko, and many others, knows the temptation all too well.
He admitted that he frequently considered a comeback, but discipline and a desire to stay out of the spotlight kept him retired. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," Lewis explained. He recounted how his post‑boxing career as a commentator for HBO kept him close to the sport, yet he resisted the urge to lace up his gloves again.
"I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," he said.
Lewis’s own retirement was marked by a memorable final fight against Vitali Klitschko, a bout that was both brutal and symbolic. He recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words before the fight: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight." Lewis answered with determination, acknowledging that the fight was far from pretty but that he emerged victorious. That win against a future dominant champion encapsulated Lewis’s career philosophy: aim for greatness, confront the best, and leave the sport on a high note. Reflecting on his legacy, Lewis said his ultimate goal was always to be regarded as the greatest heavyweight of his era, a benchmark he set for himself early in his career.
"From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he said. He drew inspiration from Muhammad Ali, aspiring not only to win titles but to earn the broader respect and admiration that comes with being a cultural icon. "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 added. In summarizing the conversation, Lewis’s endorsement of Usyk serves as a bridge between two eras of heavyweight boxing.
While Lewis’s own achievements are firmly etched in history, his praise for Usyk signals a passing of the torch to a new generation that is redefining what it means to be a champion in the modern era. As Usyk prepares for his upcoming bout with Verhoeven and continues to defend his undisputed status, the heavyweight division watches closely, aware that the legacy of greatness is being written anew with each fight.
The broader boxing community, including fans and analysts, has taken note of Lewis’s comments, interpreting them as a seal of approval that could influence future match‑making decisions and promotional strategies. With heavyweight boxing’s popularity resurging worldwide, the narrative of a seasoned legend endorsing a rising star adds depth to the sport’s storytelling, promising exciting chapters ahead for both veterans and newcomers alike.