Lennox Lewis says Oleksandr Usyk is 'in the same group' as Muhammed Ali and is taking 'big risk' by fighting Daniel Dubois
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Updated 19/07/2025 at 11:44 GMT+1
Oleksandr Usyk has the chance to become the first two-time undisputed men's heavyweight champion of the four belt era as he takes on Daniel Dubois in a rematch of their 2023 meeting on Saturday. Legendary boxer Lennox Lewis claimed Usyk, who is undefeated in 23 professional matches, deserves to be mentioned among "all the great fighters" such as Muhammad Ali.
Highlights: Usyk beats Fury by unanimous decision to retain titles after engrossing fight
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Lennox Lewis believes Oleksandr Usyk deserves to be mentioned among "all the great fighters", including Muhammad Ali.
The Ukrainian, 38, is attempting to collect all four heavyweight belts for a second time, as he prepares to face IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
Victory at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night would make him the only two-time undisputed men’s champion of the four belt era.
He first unified all four titles by beating Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia back in May 2024, but decided to vacate the IBF belt just weeks later to allow an all-British clash between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua.
Lewis, the last fighter to hold the undisputed heavyweight title before Usyk, believes the Ukrainian has already cemented his legacy among the greatest to ever compete in the sport
"He has nothing left to prove," he told reporters. "He could have walked away before this fight, and in boxing Daniel Dubois again, he’s taking a big risk.
"But if he feels he can come through it, the risk is good, because the title he can claim is big. He may be pushing it, but to fight on you’ve got to have a get-out plan.
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"He’s definitely in the same group as Muhammad Ali, me, all the great fighters.
"Usyk has a very high ring IQ, but he's not a natural heavyweight, he's a built-up heavyweight. Daniel is a natural heavyweight and he can use that to his advantage, especially in the opening few rounds, and push Usyk to the ropes."
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Dubois: 'I'm going to win by any means necessary'
Saturday evening's bout marks the second meeting between Usyk and Dubois.
In their first battle in August 2023, the Englishman came close to a stunning upset, appearing to floor Usyk with a body shot. However, the referee deemed it too low, giving the Ukrainian time to recover before stopping Dubois in the ninth round.
Seeking revenge in London later, Dubois has vowed to win by "any means necessary".
Following a tense face-off at the Boxpark Wembley weigh-in, he spoke about being "locked in and focused", coming in 16-and-a-half pounds heavier than his opponent.
The Londoner has won 22 of his 24 professional fights, having also been defeated by Joe Joyce in November 2020.
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Undefeated Usyk has defeated several high-profile British boxers in his 23 bouts, including Anthony Joshua, Tony Bellew and most recently, Tyson Fury - twice. He kept his words brief at the Dubois weigh-in.
"It’s a great opportunity for my people and my country," Usyk said. "See you tomorrow."
Beyond tonight, former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has suggested a trilogy fight in April 2026, but Usyk has made it clear his focus is on Dubois - for now.
"I don’t judge Tyson Fury. But I don’t know what’s going on," he told The Stomping Ground.
"I don’t know, now I don’t think about this. We have a fight in 2026? You crazy guy! After the fight (against Dubois), we speak about it."
You can follow live updates of Usyk’s clash with Dubois tonight on the TNT Sports live blog.
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