Lennox Lewis recently praised Oleksandr Usyk, describing him as a fitting successor to the mantle of a "great" heavyweight champion. Usyk’s rise to prominence culminated in 2024 when he secured the undisputed heavyweight title by defeating Tyson Fury, a feat that had not been accomplished since Lewis himself held the crown. The Ukrainian fighter remains unbeaten and has solidified his reputation as the preeminent heavyweight of his generation, boasting two victories over Fury, two over former champion Anthony Joshua, and two wins against rising contender Daniel Dubois. Lewis, who has observed Usyk’s training camps firsthand, affirmed the Ukrainian’s credentials as a worthy heir to the heavyweight throne.
"Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," the former champion told Sky Sports. He added, "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, having accepted an unusual WBC title challenge against kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. The prospect of a heavyweight champion stepping into a ring with a kick‑boxer underscores how difficult it can be for elite fighters to step away from the sport permanently.
Heavyweight legends, including Tyson Fury, have retired only to return multiple times, illustrating the allure of the spotlight and the difficulty of staying away. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already filling with marquee match‑ups, and fans are eager for more high‑profile bouts. Platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free streaming options, while podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and commentary for enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports continues to deliver up‑to‑date news, videos, and features through its WhatsApp channel, ensuring that followers stay informed about every development in the sport. Reflecting on his own storied career, Lewis acknowledged that even he struggled with the temptation to return to the ring after hanging up his gloves. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," he explained.
He recounted the internal battle he faced after retirement: "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’s final fight was a memorable clash against Vitali Klitschko, a bout that would later be seen as a passing of the torch to a future heavyweight titan.
He 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 brutal and far from pretty, Lewis emerged victorious, cementing his legacy. For Lewis, achieving the status of the greatest heavyweight of his era was always the ultimate goal. "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 undisputed triumph, he has continued to defend his titles against top‑ranked opponents, demonstrating a blend of technical skill, relentless work ethic, and strategic acumen. His ability to adapt to different fighting styles—whether facing a southpaw like Fury or a power puncher like Joshua—has earned him respect across the boxing community.
Beyond the ring, Usyk’s personal life reflects the stability that Lewis highlighted. He is known for maintaining a close‑knit family environment, which many analysts believe contributes to his mental fortitude during high‑pressure fights. This balance of professional dedication and personal grounding is often cited as a key factor in his sustained success. The upcoming bout with Rico Verhoeven adds an intriguing chapter to Usyk’s narrative.
While Verhoeven is primarily celebrated for his achievements in kick‑boxing, the crossover event promises to test Usyk’s adaptability and showcase his versatility against a different combat discipline. Should Usyk prevail, it would further cement his reputation as a champion capable of conquering diverse challenges. In the broader context of heavyweight boxing, the sport continues to evolve with new talents emerging and seasoned veterans seeking comebacks.
The legacy of figures like Lewis provides a benchmark for current champions, while the rise of fighters like Usyk illustrates how the heavyweight division can remain vibrant and competitive. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Usyk navigates the final phases of his career, balancing the desire to protect his legacy with the inevitable pull of competition. Whether he chooses to retire on a high note or pursue another historic victory, his place among the greats appears secure.
Lewis’s endorsement serves as a powerful testament to Usyk’s achievements. By acknowledging Usyk’s hard work, sacrifices, and family support, Lewis not only validates the Ukrainian’s status but also reinforces the timeless narrative that greatness in boxing is forged through perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.