Lennox Lewis calls Oleksandr Usyk worthy undisputed successor

Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has endorsed Oleksandr Usyk as a worthy heir to the throne, citing the Ukrainian's unbeaten record and dominance over the division's elite.

Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lewis when he outpointed Tyson Fury in 2024. Since then he has defended his status with repeat wins over Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois — a resume Lewis says speaks for itself.

Lewis on Usyk's legacy and staying power

"Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard," Lewis told Sky Sports. "He's done it all. He's sacrificed. He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers."

Lewis, who retired after stopping Vitali Klitschko in 2003, acknowledged how difficult it is for heavyweights to stay out of the ring once they step away. "Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out," he said, per Sky Sports. HBO offered him commentary work that kept him close to the sport, which made the pull even stronger.

Usyk is nearing the end of his own career and is scheduled to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in an unusual WBC title fight in Egypt. Lewis said his goal from the start was to win every belt on the way to the top, and he sees that same completeness in Usyk's run.

Source: skysports.com