When Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 2023, he achieved something not seen in over two decades. The last man to unify the heavyweight division before him was Lennox Lewis in 1999, a legendary figure widely considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Now, Lewis has given his successor some pointed advice: know when to walk away. In a recent interview, the British boxing legend urged Usyk to retire on top, just as he himself did after defeating Vitali Klitschko in 2003.
This call from Lewis has reignited discussions around Usyk’s career path, his extraordinary accomplishments, and the timeless question of when is the “right time” for a boxer to retire.
Usyk’s Rise to the Summit
Oleksandr Usyk’s journey to heavyweight glory is one of the most remarkable in modern boxing. Before dominating at heavyweight, the Ukrainian star reigned supreme at cruiserweight, where he also became the undisputed champion. Few fighters in history have achieved this feat across two divisions.
Olympic Gold Medalist: Usyk won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, showcasing his technical brilliance and footwork that set him apart.
Cruiserweight King: Usyk cleaned out the cruiserweight division, winning the World Boxing Super Series tournament and unifying all four belts.
Heavyweight Transition: Many doubted his ability to compete with bigger men, but Usyk proved them wrong with victories over Anthony Joshua (twice), Daniel Dubois, and most notably, Tyson Fury in back-to-back fights.
By defeating Fury, Usyk cemented himself as the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, carrying on a legacy that had seemed nearly impossible to replicate.
Lennox Lewis’ Own Exit at the Top
Lewis knows better than most the importance of leaving the sport while still on top. His last fight came in June 2003, when he defeated Vitali Klitschko in a grueling battle. Though some clamored for a rematch, Lewis chose retirement, ending his career as the reigning champion with no unfinished business.
“I knew it was the right time,” Lewis has often said. “I had nothing left to prove, and I wanted to leave with my health, my legacy, and my status intact.”
This is the exact wisdom he now passes on to Usyk.
Lennox Lewis’ Advice to Usyk
Speaking recently, Lewis shared his thoughts on Usyk’s potential retirement:
“When a guy retires, it’s really down to him. He’s got to feel that push that he wants to retire, but he can teach a lot of young boxers a lot of different things: dedication, hard work, sacrifice, because he’s been through that. So I would say to him to retire at your own time, but retire on top. Like I did.”
For Lewis, the decision isn’t just about avoiding decline in the ring; it’s about protecting a fighter’s legacy. Retiring on top prevents unnecessary losses that could tarnish a career full of triumphs.
The Challenges of Staying Too Long
The history of boxing is filled with examples of champions who fought past their prime and suffered damaging defeats. Legends like Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones Jr., and even Mike Tyson endured late-career losses that some fans wish had never happened.
Lennox Lewis himself avoided this fate by leaving at the peak of his powers. His message to Usyk is clear: don’t let the sport dictate when you should walk away. Leave with your reputation untouched.
Usyk’s Own Thoughts on Retirement
Interestingly, Usyk has already hinted that he may be close to hanging up the gloves. Despite his unbeaten record and undisputed status, he has suggested he will likely fight only one more time before retiring.
This aligns closely with Lewis’ advice. Usyk has climbed every mountain, conquered every division, and defeated the best of his era. What more does he have to prove?
By walking away after one final showcase fight, Usyk could preserve his undefeated record, his health, and his legendary status.
The Tyson Fury Rivalry and Its Place in History
One of Usyk’s greatest achievements has been defeating Tyson Fury, a man many believed was unbeatable due to his size, skill, and unorthodox style. Usyk’s back-to-back victories over Fury not only crowned him the undisputed champion but also silenced critics who doubted his ability at heavyweight.
Lennox Lewis drew a parallel between Usyk and another heavyweight legend, Evander Holyfield, who also successfully moved up from cruiserweight to heavyweight.
“I think he would have fared really good in my era,” Lewis said. “He’s done something Evander did, and in this era, he’s beaten all the big guys in front of him.”
By beating Fury, Joshua, and Dubois, Usyk has already proven himself against the best of his time.
The Rarity of the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
Both Lennox Lewis and Oleksandr Usyk understand the difficulty of becoming an undisputed champion.
“It’s definitely the hardest thing to do,” Lewis explained. “You basically want to be the best in boxing and take all the belts for yourself. But there are always other boxers out there who want to stop you. That’s why you’ve got to make sure you retire on top.”
In the modern era, with promotional disputes, multiple sanctioning bodies, and constant mandatories, unifying all four belts is a monumental task. That makes Usyk’s achievement all the more impressive — and potentially unrepeatable for decades.
Who Could Be Usyk’s Final Opponent?
If Usyk is truly planning just one last fight, speculation naturally turns to who it might be against. Some possibilities include:
Anthony Joshua (III): A trilogy with Joshua would be commercially massive, though Usyk already beat him convincingly twice.
Tyson Fury (III): A third fight could settle the rivalry once and for all, though Usyk has already proven dominance.
Young Contenders: Fighters like Fabio Wardley, Jared Anderson, or Hughie Fury could emerge as challengers, though none currently carry the same star power.
Regardless of opponent, the bout would serve as Usyk’s farewell, a final stamp on a career defined by greatness.
Legacy Comparisons: Usyk and Lewis
Comparisons between Lewis and Usyk are inevitable. Both are Olympic gold medalists, both became undisputed champions, and both demonstrated technical skill that set them apart from their contemporaries.
Lewis: A dominant figure in the 1990s and early 2000s, beating legends like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Vitali Klitschko.
Usyk: A two-division undisputed champion who conquered both cruiserweight and heavyweight, something few boxers have ever achieved.
If Usyk follows Lewis’ advice and retires on top, the similarities between their careers will be even stronger.
Why Retiring on Top Matters
In combat sports, leaving at the right time is often harder than winning championships. The temptation of big paydays, legacy fights, and fan pressure can keep fighters in the ring longer than they should be.
By choosing to step away while still undefeated, Usyk could:
Protect his long-term health.
Cement his place as one of the greatest of all time.
Leave behind a blueprint for younger fighters on how to balance ambition with wisdom.
The Perfect Time to Walk Away?
Lennox Lewis’ advice to Oleksandr Usyk comes from experience, wisdom, and a deep understanding of what it takes to be the best. Both men share a bond that only undisputed heavyweight champions can understand.
Usyk has nothing left to prove. He has conquered two divisions, defeated the best fighters of his generation, and carried himself with humility and professionalism throughout his career.
If he retires after one more fight, he will leave the sport not just as a champion, but as a legend who walked away on his own terms.
Just like Lennox Lewis did.
