Lennox Lewis has declared Oleksandr Usyk a worthy successor as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk became the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Lewis when he defeated Tyson Fury in 2024. The Ukrainian remains unbeaten with victories over Fury twice, Anthony Joshua twice, and Daniel Dubois twice.

"He's done it all. He's sacrificed. He's got a great family and he deserves his flowers," Lewis told Sky Sports after observing Usyk in camp. The former champion also opened up about his own retirement struggles, admitting he felt compelled to jump back into the ring numerous times but was held back by focus and discipline. Lewis ultimately stayed away, finishing his career on a high note by beating Vitali Klitschko.

Now in the closing stages of his career, Usyk is scheduled to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in an unusual WBC title fight in Egypt. "That was my aim," Lewis said. "From when I started boxing I said I wanted to be the greatest heavyweight, just like Muhammad Ali."