Could Oleksandr Usyk have conquered a prime Lennox Lewis? It's a question that sparks passionate debate among boxing aficionados, and none other than Usyk's former rival, Anthony Joshua, has weighed in with a fascinating prediction.
We all remember the epic 2024 showdown where Oleksandr Usyk etched his name in history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. But what about his prowess against the last undisputed king before him, the legendary Lennox Lewis? Anthony Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion himself, has offered his insights.
Let's rewind to 1999. The boxing world was abuzz as WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis faced off against the formidable Evander Holyfield, who held the IBF and WBA titles. This monumental clash, held at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, was expected to crown Lewis as the undisputed ruler. However, a controversial decision on the judges' scorecards resulted in a draw, leaving the history books waiting.
But the story wasn't over! Just eight months later, Lewis and Holyfield met again. This time, 'The Lion' roared, securing a decisive unanimous decision victory and unifying all three belts. It was the pinnacle of Lewis's illustrious career, a moment of true dominance.
It would take a staggering quarter of a century for the heavyweight division to witness another undisputed title fight. This prolonged period was largely due to the evolving recognition of the WBO title, which ultimately ushered in the current four-belt era.
Interestingly, much like Holyfield before him, Usyk, after achieving undisputed status at cruiserweight, moved up to conquer the heavyweight division. Despite facing opponents with significant physical advantages, the smaller man proved superior. His legendary first fight against Tyson Fury saw him overcome the odds, and a subsequent rematch victory solidified his reign as the dominant heavyweight of this generation.
When posed with the hypothetical question of how Usyk would fare against a prime Lennox Lewis, Joshua, speaking to Daily Mail Boxing, revealed his perspective. He believes it would be a 50/50 contest, but ultimately, he would lean towards Oleksandr Usyk.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Joshua's prediction is intriguing, the idea of a smaller, albeit incredibly skilled, fighter like Usyk overcoming the physical might and championship pedigree of a prime Lennox Lewis is a bold one. Lewis, known for his power and strategic brilliance, was a different kind of challenge altogether.
Usyk is slated to return to the ring on Saturday, May 23rd. He's preparing for a bout against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, a fight that has already generated some buzz, particularly with the WBC heavyweight title on the line. This upcoming fight adds another layer of anticipation to Usyk's career.
Now, I'm curious to hear your thoughts! Do you agree with Anthony Joshua's prediction that Usyk would edge out a prime Lennox Lewis? Or do you believe Lewis's power and experience would be too much to overcome? Let me know your take in the comments below – I'd love to hear your arguments!
