By Lennox Lewis has encouraged Oleksandr Usyk to consider stepping away from boxing while at the peak of his powers, reminding the Ukrainian that he chose to retire as champion rather than risk decline.
Lewis, who last held the status of undisputed heavyweight champion in 1999, believes Usyk has already secured his legacy after unifying the division last year, becoming the first man to do so since Lewis himself.
Like Lewis, Usyk is also an Olympic gold medallist and has remained undefeated throughout his professional career. However, the Ukrainian has hinted that he may only step into the ring once more before he closes out his career.
Lewis retired at the very peak of boxing, retiring as the recognised number one heavyweight in the world after his final victory over Vitali Klitschko, who would later rise to dominate the division as a world champion.
Reflecting on when Usyk should hang up the gloves, Lewis said: “Retirement is ultimately down to the fighter. He has to feel that moment himself. Usyk has so much he can pass on to younger boxers, lessons in dedication, hard work and sacrifice, because he’s lived through all of it. My advice would be to retire on your own terms, but make sure it’s at the very top, like I did.”
Lewis also praised Usyk’s remarkable rise, noting how he first became undisputed at cruiserweight before moving up to dominate the heavyweight division, a reign marked by two wins over Tyson Fury, alongside victories against Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
The former champion admitted that Usyk’s talent would have made him a serious contender even in his own era. “I think he would have done really well,” Lewis said. “He’s achieved what Evander Holyfield once did, moving up from cruiserweight to succeed at heavyweight. In this era he’s beaten every top fighter put in front of him, and he’s done a tremendous job.”
Lewis noted that only he and Usyk truly understand the immense challenge of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion, an achievement that stands apart in boxing. “It’s the hardest thing to accomplish, because it means taking every belt and proving you’re the number one,” he explained. “There are always fighters who want to stop you, waiting for the chance to be the first to beat you. That’s why it’s so important to walk away at the very top.”
