Oleksandr Usyk became the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era back in 2024, and heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua has predicted how the Ukrainian would have fared against the most recent undisputed ruler before him, Lennox Lewis.
Back in 1999, WBC heavyweight champion Lewis collided with IBF and WBA titleholder Evander Holyfield in a memorable showdown at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Lewis should have made history that night in becoming the undisputed king, but a dubious decision on the scorecards meant Lewis was rewarded with only a draw.
Eight months later, Lewis and Holyfield ran it back and ‘The Lion’ came out on top with a unanimous decision win to take home all three belts – the crowning moment of his tremendous career.
It would take a quarter of a century for another undisputed heavyweight title contest to occur, largely due to the recognition of the WBO title and subsequent beginning of the four-belt era.
After becoming undisputed at cruiserweight, similarly to Holyfield, this time it was the smaller man who took over the heavyweight division, as Usyk got the better of Tyson Fury despite the physical disadvantages in their legendary first fight.
Another win in his rematch with Fury cemented Usyk as the standout heavyweight of this generation, and when asked whether the 39-year-old would have overcome Lewis, former world champion Joshua told Daily Mail Boxing that he would favour his former opponent.
“[Usyk vs. Lewis is a] 50/50. [I will edge towards] Oleksandr Usyk.”
Usyk is set to return to action on Saturday, May 23, as he prepares for a controversial clash with Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, where the WBC heavyweight title is at stake.
