Former world champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the legacy of the sport’s most storied titleholders. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Lewis reflected on Usyk’s rapid rise to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, noting that the Ukrainian’s achievements place him among the elite few who have truly dominated the weight class. Usyk’s historic moment came in 2024 when he secured the undisputed heavyweight crown by defeating Tyson Fury, a feat that had not been accomplished since Lewis himself held all four major belts.
That victory not only cemented Usyk’s status as the first undisputed champion of the modern era but also marked a turning point for heavyweight boxing, signaling a new era of competition and excellence. Since that landmark win, Usyk has remained unbeaten, compiling an impressive résumé that includes two victories over Fury, two wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and a pair of triumphs over the rising contender Daniel Dubois. Each of these fights has showcased Usyk’s technical skill, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps up close, described the Ukrainian as a "great champion, a great person, he trains hard." He emphasized that Usyk’s dedication extends beyond the ring, highlighting the boxer’s supportive family 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, underscoring the respect he holds for Usyk’s journey. While Usyk is still in the prime of his career, there are already whispers of future challenges that could test his reign.
Rumors suggest an unconventional bout in Egypt, where Usyk might face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in a WBC‑sanctioned exhibition. Such a crossover would be unprecedented for a heavyweight champion and could open the door to new audiences, but it also raises questions about the longevity of a champion’s dominance in a sport where retirement is often a fleeting promise. The heavyweight division has seen numerous champions retire only to return, with Tyson Fury being a prime example of a fighter who has repeatedly stepped back into the ring after announcing his retirement.
Lewis’s own career offers a parallel narrative of triumph and the temptation to return. After a storied run that included victories over the likes of Mike Tyson, Vitali Klitschko, and a host of other legends, Lewis retired having achieved virtually everything the sport could offer. Yet, he admits that the pull of the ring was strong. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring.
But focus, discipline kept me out," he confessed. He went on to describe the difficulty of staying away from boxing, even after transitioning to a commentator role with HBO. "I wanted to retire and say I'm not coming back and it was hard to stay out of the ring. HBO gave me a job as a commentator and I was there in front of boxing again and I was trying to get away from boxing.
I said I've done everything already, I don't need to prove anything anymore. So I stayed out of boxing." Lewis also reflected on one of his most memorable fights, a brutal showdown with Vitali Klitschko that ended in a decisive victory. He recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words: "listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight," to which Lewis replied, "Well, I'll take it." The bout was far from pretty, but it demonstrated Lewis’s willingness to confront any opponent, regardless of the risk. "It wasn't a pretty fight but I still won," he said, underscoring his belief that true champions are forged in adversity.
For Lewis, the ultimate goal was always to be recognized as the greatest heavyweight of his era—a ambition he likened to the iconic legacy of Muhammad Ali. "From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight," he explained.
"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." In praising Usyk, Lewis not only acknowledges the Ukrainian’s current dominance but also hints at the broader narrative of heavyweight succession. As the sport evolves, each generation looks to the champions that came before for inspiration and guidance. Usyk’s disciplined approach, his willingness to face the best, and his ability to capture the undisputed titles echo the qualities that made Lewis a legend. The endorsement from a figure of Lewis’s stature adds weight to Usyk’s claim as the rightful heir to heavyweight greatness.
Looking ahead, the boxing world will watch closely as Usyk navigates potential new challenges, whether they be traditional heavyweight bouts or experimental matchups against athletes from other combat sports. Regardless of the path he chooses, the foundation he has built—anchored by victories over Fury, Joshua, and Dubois—provides a solid platform for continued success. As Lewis put it, Usyk has earned his "flowers" and, with the respect of past champions behind him, he is poised to shape the future of heavyweight boxing for years to come.