Lennox Lewis on Oleksandr Usyk’s Future
In a recent statement, Lennox Lewis suggested that if Oleksandr Usyk secures a victory against Daniel Dubois this Saturday, he should consider retirement. Usyk, who remains unbeaten with a record of 23 wins (14 by knockout), reached a career milestone last year by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades, mirroring Lewis’s own achievement from 1999 after defeating Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk’s Impressive Track Record
Aside from his heavyweight accomplishments, Usyk is also a decorated boxer with an Olympic gold medal and previously held the undisputed cruiserweight title. His track record is impressive, boasting notable victories against both Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as having faced Dubois before. A win this weekend would cement Usyk’s position as the only boxer to hold the title of two-time undisputed men’s champion in the current four-belt era.
Lewis’s Perspective on Retirement
“He has nothing left to prove,”
said Lewis when addressing the media, highlighting the inherent risks Usyk faces by continuing to fight.
“He could have walked away before this fight… but if he thinks he can overcome this challenge, the reward is substantial, even if it comes with risks.”
Lewis went on to draw a parallel with his own career, stating that it’s critical for boxers to have a strategic exit plan after a successful run and described Usyk’s potential decision as having just one more fight as part of that strategy.
Usyk’s Legacy and Dubois’s Strategy
Elaborating on Usyk’s legacy, Lewis believes he will undoubtedly be remembered amongst boxing’s greats, saying,
“He’s definitely in the same group as Muhammad Ali and myself.”
As for Dubois, Lewis advised that he needs to leverage his natural heavyweight size to gain an edge, especially in the early rounds of the fight. He remarked on Usyk’s impressive maneuverability, encouraging Dubois to apply pressure and keep Usyk contained against the ropes.
“You have to keep Usyk from dancing around, and initiate your punches to assert dominance,”
Lewis added, underlining the tactical approach Dubois must take against the seasoned boxer.
