Usyk: Boxing King Post-Dubois. The Best Heavyweight of the Century?

Oleksandr Usyk: Is He the Best Heavyweight Since Lennox Lewis?

Last Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk once again proved his worth by defeating Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, solidifying his position as one of the greats in heavyweight boxing. The left hook that sent Dubois to the canvas, in front of 90,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium, was an exhibition of technique and power, sealing Usyk’s second stage as undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk also sent Dubois to the canvas with a right hand, demonstrating his superiority in the fight. If Usyk maintains his level and avoids a defeat in a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury in April 2026, or in a title defense against Joseph Parker, he could be considered the best heavyweight of the last two decades. Furthermore, his legacy extends to the cruiserweight category, where he reigned for three decades. Usyk was the first undisputed cruiserweight champion, reigning in the division from 2016 to 2018, before moving up to heavyweight. In this category, he has defended his title five times against high-level opponents, including former champions and current champions. Usyk’s achievements in heavyweight surpass his cruiserweight successes, and he has defeated the best of his era, including Fury, Dubois, and Anthony Joshua, which clears up any doubt about his supremacy.

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.Parker, who is the WBO mandatory challenger, is expected to face Usyk.

The WBO says he must fight Joseph Parker, so that will be the fight.

Frank Warren, Queensberry Promotions promoter

It’s hard to imagine how Parker, in the best form of his career, could threaten Usyk’s legacy. Although Parker has achieved impressive victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole in the last two years, Usyk’s IQ, movement, and skills are on a different level. Fury and Joshua, both former world champions, achieved notable victories over Wladimir Klitschko, and Fury also defeated Wilder twice. However, Usyk’s undefeated record, with 13 wins in world title fights and an Olympic gold medal in 2012, positions him favorably. The Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, could have posed a greater challenge to Usyk due to their superior reach and height. Wladimir, with his “jab-and-grab” strategy, was nearly unbeatable during his nine-and-a-half-year reign, and could have frustrated Usyk into defeat.

Oleksandr Usyk, now two-time undisputed heavyweight champion after his KO victory over Daniel Dubois in London on Saturday.Wladimir made 18 title defenses during his second reign as unified champion (2006-2015), with victories over David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, and Jean Marc Mormeck. Vitali, for his part, made two WBO title defenses, followed by 10 defenses as WBC champion, interrupted by injuries, with victories over Samuel Peter, Danny Williams, and Herbie Hide.

• Usyk knocks out Dubois and becomes undisputed heavyweight champion
• In Oleksandr Usyk’s camp: Behind the scenes with a heavyweight champion
• Fight results: Usyk stops Dubois, regains undisputed championship

While the Klitschko brothers’ numbers surpass Usyk’s (23-0, 14 KOs), who has made five heavyweight title defenses and six cruiserweight title defenses, Usyk boasts victories against more renowned rivals and is a three-time undisputed world champion. Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight world champion recognized since Lewis, who defeated legends like Holyfield, Mike Tyson, and Klitschko. With a record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in heavyweight title fights, Usyk is heading towards the end of his career, whether against Parker this year or against Fury next year, his legacy seems to be the most solid of any heavyweight since Lewis.