Two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk is being heralded as one of the greats of the division, but some argue that he has lacked fierce competition. When asked how Usyk would have fared in his era, Lennox Lewis answered confidently.
Usyk’s undisputed runs at both cruiserweight and heavyweight have been nothing short of legendary, winning all four belts at 200lbs with three victories on away soil before moving up to heavyweight and making history – all whilst maintaining an undefeated record – against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
While there is no question on the great Ukrainian’s skillset, some fans continue to debate whether or not the era that Usyk has conquered could be considered as a weak one.
Meanwhile, Lewis, the last man to claim the coveted undisputed heavyweight throne before Usyk, had to jostle for the belts with stars such as Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe.
In an interview with Boxing News, Lewis was quizzed on whether the 39-year-old southpaw could have held his own in that star-studded period, and ‘The Lion’ explained why he believes Holyfield’s success is proof that he would have.
“He would have got on good [in my era]. Just look at how Evander Holyfield got on, Oleksandr is the same size and just as good. I think he would have done just as well.”
Holyfield and Usyk remain the only two fighters in boxing history to have held the undisputed title at both cruiserweight and heavyweight – with David Haye being the only other man to have held a world title in both divisions.
However, a fourth man may soon enter that elite club, with Murat Gassiev in with a chance of being elevated to full WBA heavyweight world champion in the near future should Usyk vacate or be stripped.
