In a stunning and fiery statement that has sent tremors through the heavyweight boxing world, former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has boldly declared that “Usyk’s time is over”, and predicts that Daniel Dubois will not only defeat the Ukrainian champion but also expose him as “the biggest lie in boxing.”

Lewis, known for his measured analysis and legendary career, didn’t mince words during a recent appearance on a British sports podcast, where he passionately challenged the current narrative surrounding Oleksandr Usyk — the undefeated heavyweight champion and former undisputed cruiserweight king.

Lewis: “Usyk Is Not Built for the Real Heavyweight Era”

According to Lewis, the boxing world has been blinded by Usyk’s technical brilliance and his wins over Anthony Joshua, but is ignoring a bigger truth: Usyk is a cruiserweight in a heavyweight’s world.

“Usyk is a fantastic boxer, don’t get me wrong. He’s got footwork, speed, and a high ring IQ,” Lewis began. “But heavyweight boxing isn’t a chess match. It’s about power, presence, and damage. He’s been skating by on skills, but that won’t save him forever.”

Lewis went on to suggest that Usyk’s reign at heavyweight has been protected and overhyped by promoters and media who want a “new golden boy” for the sport.

“The media loves a good story — the little guy who came up and beat the big men. But let’s be real: he beat a mentally shattered Joshua and avoided real punchers. That bubble’s about to burst.”

Dubois: The “Destroyer of Illusions”?

Daniel Dubois, the 26-year-old British heavyweight known for his devastating knockout power and raw physicality, is set to face Usyk again after their controversial first meeting in 2023 — where Dubois landed a borderline body shot that many believed should have been ruled a knockout blow.

Lennox Lewis believes Dubois is hungrier, more prepared, and has the exact formula needed to dismantle Usyk’s style.

“Dubois is coming for revenge. He’s not there to outbox Usyk — he’s going to break him. Pressure, body shots, power. He’s the antidote to the Usyk hype.”

Lewis went on to emphasize that Dubois now has the maturity and experience he lacked in their first fight. With a stronger mental game and improved conditioning, Lewis is confident that the rematch will be nothing short of explosive — and decisive.

Fans Divided: Legend or Hater?

Predictably, Lewis’s comments have split the boxing community. Some fans and analysts praised the former champ for “saying what needed to be said,” arguing that Usyk’s dominance has indeed benefited from carefully matched opponents. Others, however, accused Lewis of disrespecting a generational talent.

Prominent analyst Steve Bunce responded to Lewis on social media, writing:

“Usyk has fought and beaten world-class opposition in their prime. Let’s not pretend it’s all smoke and mirrors. He’s a once-in-a-generation tactician.”

Meanwhile, fans on boxing forums are torn between believing Lewis’s assessment and supporting the Ukrainian’s seemingly unstoppable rise. Has Usyk really been avoiding the true heavyweight gauntlet? Or has he simply been so good that he makes elite competition look average?

Usyk Responds Calmly

In a typically composed manner, Oleksandr Usyk was asked about Lewis’s statements during a training session in preparation for his next fight.

“Lennox Lewis is a legend. I respect him,” Usyk said through a translator. “But I don’t speak with words. I speak with fists. Let’s see what happens in the ring.”

Short, direct, and confident — Usyk’s response earned applause from fans, reinforcing his reputation as a humble yet deadly technician.

What’s at Stake?

The heavyweight division is heating up once again, and with the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder looming in the background, the upcoming Usyk vs. Dubois rematch has massive implications.

For Usyk, a win would further solidify his legacy as one of the most skilled heavyweights of the modern era — a man who rose from cruiserweight and conquered giants.

For Dubois, it’s a shot at redemption and the opportunity to silence critics who wrote him off after early career setbacks.

And for Lennox Lewis, it’s about proving that heavyweight boxing remains a domain where power rules — and that skills, while essential, can’t save a man from a punishing truth.

Whether you believe in Usyk’s brilliance or side with Lewis’s raw honesty, one thing is certain: the heavyweight division just got a whole lot more interesting.