Former world champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a fitting successor to the lineage of "great" champions that Lewis himself helped define. In Lewis’s view, Usyk embodies the qualities of a true heavyweight monarch—skill, determination, and a relentless work ethic—making him a natural heir to the throne that Lewis once occupied. Usyk’s rise to the pinnacle of the sport culminated in 2024 when he secured the undisputed heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury, a victory that marked the first time since Lewis’s own reign that a boxer held every major belt simultaneously.
This historic achievement cemented Usyk’s status as the preeminent heavyweight of his generation. The Ukrainian’s record remains spotless; he has not suffered a professional loss and has already amassed an impressive résumé that includes two victories over Fury, two wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over the formidable Daniel Dubois.
Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, affirmed his admiration during an interview with Sky Sports. "Yes, Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis said, highlighting not only the fighter’s in‑ring accomplishments but also his dedication off the canvas.
"He’s done it all. He’s sacrificed. He’s got a great family and he deserves his flowers." The veteran British heavyweight also reflected on the challenges that come with sustaining a career at the very top.
Usyk is currently approaching the latter stages of his professional journey, having recently agreed to a highly unusual WBC title bout in Egypt against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven. The cross‑disciplinary matchup underscores how heavyweight champions often grapple with the temptation to remain active, even as age and wear begin to take their toll. The sport’s history is littered with champions who struggle to step away permanently; Fury himself has retired and unretired on multiple occasions, illustrating the magnetic pull of the ring. Lewis’s own career offers a parallel narrative.
After conquering every major accolade available to a boxer—world titles, Olympic gold, and a reputation as one of the sport’s most technically proficient heavyweights—Lewis faced his own internal battle about retirement. He confessed that the urge to return to competition was a recurring temptation.
"Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," he explained. The former champion also recounted his transition to broadcasting, noting that his role as an HBO commentator kept him close to the sport he loved while providing a necessary distance.
"I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing," Lewis added. One of Lewis’s most memorable fights came toward the end of his career when he faced Vitali Klitschko, a future dominant champion in his own right. The bout was a brutal, hard‑fought encounter that tested both men’s resolve.
Lewis recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s counsel: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight." Accepting the challenge, Lewis entered the ring knowing the fight would be far from pretty, yet he emerged victorious, adding another chapter to his storied legacy. Reflecting on his own ambitions, Lewis emphasized that his ultimate goal was to be recognized 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 to achieve comparable accolades across continents and organizations. "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’s endorsement of Usyk is more than a simple compliment; it is an affirmation that the torch of heavyweight excellence continues to burn brightly. By acknowledging Usyk’s achievements—his unbeaten record, his unification of titles, and his willingness to take on unconventional opponents—Lewis signals that the standards he set for himself are being met and perhaps even surpassed by the new generation.
In the broader context of boxing’s evolving landscape, the dialogue between past and present champions highlights the sport’s enduring appeal. While technology and media platforms such as Sky Sports, NOW, and various podcasts expand the reach of boxing content, the core narrative remains rooted in personal sacrifice, disciplined preparation, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
As Usyk prepares for his upcoming clash with Verhoeven, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see whether he can maintain his dominance and further solidify his place in heavyweight history. Lewis’s praise serves as both a commendation and a challenge: to uphold the legacy of those who came before while carving out a distinct identity that future champions will look up to. The heavyweight division, ever dynamic, continues to produce stories of triumph, resilience, and the timeless quest for the title of "great"—a quest that both Lewis and Usyk embody in equal measure.