Former world champion Lennox Lewis has publicly praised Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a "great" champion and a fitting successor to the heavyweight throne. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Lewis reflected on Usyk’s meteoric rise and the milestones that have cemented his place among the sport’s elite.
Usyk made history in 2024 when he secured the undisputed heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury, becoming the first boxer to hold all four major belts since Lewis himself achieved that feat. The Ukrainian fighter has remained unbeaten, building an impressive résumé that includes two victories over Fury, a pair of wins against former champion Anthony Joshua, and two triumphs over rising contender Daniel Dubois. These accomplishments have led many analysts to label him the pre‑eminent heavyweight of his generation.
Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps up close, described the Ukrainian as "a great champion, a great person, he trains hard" and added that Usyk "has done it all, he’s sacrificed, he’s got a great family and he deserves his flowers." The former champion’s endorsement underscores the respect Usyk commands within the boxing community. While Usyk’s career appears to be entering its twilight, with an upcoming, unconventional WBC title bout against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, the heavyweight division has shown that retirement can be a fluid concept. Tyson Fury, for example, has retired and un‑retired multiple times, illustrating how difficult it can be for top‑level fighters to stay away from the sport they love. Lewis himself knows the pull of the ring all too well.
After hanging up his gloves, he admitted he often felt the urge to step back into the squared circle. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring," he confessed, "but focus and discipline kept me out." He went on to explain that a career in broadcasting with HBO kept him close to boxing without having to fight again.
"I said I’ve done everything already, I don’t need to prove anything anymore, so I stayed out of boxing," Lewis said. The British great’s own career was marked by a series of historic moments.
One of his most memorable victories came against Vitali Klitschko, a bout that was both brutal and decisive. Lewis recalled his trainer Emanuel Steward’s words before the fight: "Listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight," to which Lewis replied, "Well, I’ll take it." Though the contest was far from pretty, the win solidified Lewis’s reputation as a relentless competitor.
Lewis’s ambition was always crystal clear: he wanted to be the greatest heavyweight of his era, a goal inspired by legends like Muhammad Ali. "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 they were European, British, or any other title, as long as I won them all." Usyk’s journey mirrors many of those aspirations. After his early days as a dominant cruiserweight, he moved up to heavyweight and quickly made his mark.
His technical skill, footwork, and ring IQ have drawn comparisons to classic champions, while his willingness to take on the biggest names—Fury, Joshua, Dubois—demonstrates a fearless approach. Usyk’s disciplined training regimen, often highlighted by Lewis, includes rigorous conditioning, sparring sessions with elite partners, and a focus on nutrition and recovery that reflects modern sports science. Beyond the ring, Usyk’s personal life has been a source of stability.
He often speaks about the support he receives from his family, describing them as his "great family" that keeps him grounded amid the pressures of fame. This balance between professional ambition and personal well‑being is a theme Lewis touched on when he praised Usyk’s character. Looking ahead, the heavyweight landscape remains dynamic.
While Usyk prepares for the unusual clash with Verhoeven—a fight that blends boxing with elements of kick‑boxing—fans anticipate how the champion will adapt his style to a new set of challenges. The bout, set in Egypt, will test Usyk’s versatility and could further solidify his legacy as a champion capable of conquering any opponent, regardless of discipline. In the broader context of boxing history, the endorsement from a legend like Lennox Lewis adds a layer of validation to Usyk’s achievements.
It signals a passing of the torch from one generation of greats to the next, reinforcing the idea that the sport’s lineage is built on respect, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, both veterans and newcomers will look to figures like Lewis and Usyk for inspiration. Their stories illustrate that greatness is not merely about titles, but also about the dedication, sacrifice, and integrity displayed both inside and outside the ring. With Lewis’s commendation and Usyk’s ongoing quest for dominance, the future of heavyweight boxing looks both promising and compelling.