Oleksandr Usyk has conquered the sport at every level, a distinction few in boxing history can claim. The Ukrainian champion is an Olympic gold medalist, the first-ever undisputed cruiserweight champion of the four-belt era, and the reigning two-time undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. With such a legacy secured, Bernd Boente, a veteran DAZN pundit who spent 17 years guiding the Klitschko brothers, exclusively told World Boxing News that the Ukrainian can now bow out a champion.
A Case for Retirement on Top
When it comes to retirement, Boente is clear about Usyk’s next move.
“I would like to see the great person and champion Oleksandr Usyk retire as reigning champion, like Rocky Marciano, Lennox Lewis, and Vitali Klitschko before him. He could even be the second heavyweight champion after Marciano to retire undefeated,” Boente told WBN.
This view is echoed by one of the names Boente cited: Lennox Lewis himself.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the last man to unify the heavyweight division before Usyk, urged his successor to follow his path. “I would say to him to retire at your own time, but retire on top like I did,” Lewis advised.
“When a guy retires, it’s really down to him… He can teach a lot of young boxers dedication, hard work, sacrifice because he’s been through that.”
Usyk’s Undefeated Record and Commercial Success
Usyk’s most recent bout against Daniel Dubois, in which he reclaimed the IBF title via knockout, drew praise from Boente, who highlighted both the performance inside the ring and the commercial success.
“Usyk delivered a terrific performance against Dubois. A sold-out Wembley Stadium and excellent PPV sales suggest that the rematch, after Dubois’ sensational KO victory over Anthony Joshua, was a complete commercial success.”
Boente’s All-Time Heavyweight Ranking
And how does Usyk stack up in boxing history? Boente doesn’t hesitate, placing Usyk firmly among the elite, citing his comprehensive resume of titles and victories over unified champions like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
“Usyk definitely belongs in the all-time top ten. I rate him at number seven. His accomplishments, skill set, and mentality put him firmly among the legends,” Boente stated.
Boente’s Top 7 Heavyweights:
1 | Muhammad Ali
2 | Joe Louis
3 | Lennox Lewis
4 | Rocky Marciano
5 | George Foreman
6 | Evander Holyfield
7 | Oleksandr Usyk
A Lasting Legacy for the Ukrainian
For Boente, Usyk’s legacy is about more than wins and titles. It’s about finishing on top, leaving the sport with dignity, and inspiring future generations of fighters.
“He has already achieved everything. The right path now is to retire while still at the top. That’s how true champions like Marciano, Lewis, and Vitali did it—and that’s the mark of a legacy that will last forever.”
As the undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk stands at the peak of his career with no rivals left to conquer. His resume, featuring wins over multiple champions, ensures his place as one of the most successful boxing figures of the modern era, validating Boente’s view that the time is right to retire.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.