Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished his world heavyweight titles, and boxing hall of famer Barry McGuigan believes the Ukrainian is right to walk away as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Writing for the Mirror, McGuigan says Usyk stands comparison with any fighter in the sport's history.
A Unique Achievement at Heavyweight
McGuigan notes that very few cruiserweights have gone on to win a heavyweight title, and none have done what Usyk achieved. After unifying the cruiserweight division, Usyk did the same at heavyweight, beating all-comers and all styles. According to McGuigan, 'We have never seen anything like that.'
Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois twice, a fighter McGuigan describes as 'arguably a top-five puncher of all time,' silencing critics who said Usyk couldn't punch. He also befuddled Anthony Joshua on two occasions and took down Tyson Fury twice, despite giving away significant height and weight advantages.
Overcoming Size Disadvantage
Standing 6ft 3in and weighing 210 pounds, Usyk was at a physical disadvantage against 21st-century heavyweights. McGuigan recalls that Fury dismissed him as a 'rabbit' and a 'middleweight,' but Usyk still won. His ring IQ is described as 'off the scale,' with an incredible ability to work out opponents' strengths and weaknesses.
Usyk devoted his best years to the amateur ranks, fighting an incredible 350 bouts and winning 335, including Olympic and World gold at heavyweight and European gold at light heavyweight. McGuigan compares him to greats like Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Lennox Lewis, stating 'he is in that company.'
Generous Exit from the Sport
McGuigan emphasises that Usyk has earned the right to end his career on his own terms. By giving up all his belts, he has allowed younger fighters to compete for them. 'You can't get any more generous than that,' McGuigan writes, adding that Usyk could have hung on but chose not to.
Beyond his achievements, McGuigan highlights Usyk's character: 'Not only has he been a credit to the game, he is a really likable guy, genuinely funny and entertaining.' He concludes that when looking back at a career, it's not just the wins but how fighters represented themselves and their sport that matters. 'Usyk was, and is, the best of us.'
