Lewis Advises Usyk to Consider Retirement: "Leave on Top – Like I Did"

Former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis believes that three-time undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk should carefully consider the timing of his retirement — and points to his own career as an example.

"I think Usyk would have done very well in our era — he’s doing the same thing Evander Holyfield did, moving up from cruiserweight. In this era, he beat all the big guys, everyone who stood in front of him. He’s done a remarkable job.

Becoming undisputed is without a doubt the hardest task. You’re striving to be the best in boxing, to collect all the belts and be number one.

There are always other fighters who don’t want you to achieve that. They’re standing by, wanting to beat you and be the first to do it. That’s why you’ve got to make sure to finish your career at the top.

When a fighter retires, it’s entirely up to him. He has to feel that urge, that push that it’s time to stop. But he can still teach young fighters a lot: dedication, hard work, sacrifice — because he’s been through all of it himself.

So I’d tell him to finish in his own time — but leave on top, like I did," Lewis said.

Lennox Lewis retired in 2003 after victories over Hasim Rahman, Mike Tyson, and Vitali Klitschko.