Is Oleksandr Usyk the Greatest Heavyweight of All Time?

London, UK - Following his second dominant win over Daniel Dubois, fans and commentators alike are revisiting the question: Is Oleksandr Usyk the greatest heavyweight of all time?

He’s now undefeated as a professional. He’s the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years. He’s conquered the cruiserweight division and outclassed every man he’s faced at heavyweight — including Anthony Joshua (twice), Tyson Fury (twice), and now Daniel Dubois (twice). Yet, the answer to the greatest-of-all-time question depends entirely on how we measure greatness.

And that’s where the debate begins.

Resume vs. Hypotheticals

Usyk’s resume, while elite in quality, is relatively light in volume. He’s had only eight fights at heavyweight, facing five different opponents. By contrast, the legendary names that dominate GOAT conversations — Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, and Mike Tyson — all have 20+ heavyweight bouts, often against a broader variety of top-tier competition.

In pure resume terms, Usyk isn’t there yet. But stylistically, that’s a different story.

Many analysts argue that Usyk’s footwork, ring IQ, and conditioning would pose nightmares for the greats. In fantasy matchups, people reasonably suggest he could outbox even the likes of Foreman, Holmes, Tyson, or Ali. But fantasy is subjective. Resume is tangible.

Comparing the Legends

Here’s how Usyk’s body of work stacks up:

Muhammad Ali

• 56–5 (37 KOs), 25+ world title fights
• Wins over Sonny Liston, George Foreman, Joe Frazier (twice), Ken Norton, Floyd Patterson, and more
• Widely considered to have the deepest heavyweight resume in boxing history

Joe Louis

• 66–3 (52 KOs), 25 title defenses
• Dominated a weaker era, but for longer than any champion ever
• Legendary consistency and longevity

Lennox Lewis

• 41–2–1 (32 KOs), 17 title fights
• Wins over Tyson, Holyfield, Vitali Klitschko, David Tua, Ray Mercer, and others
• Unified the division and avenged both of his career defeats

Evander Holyfield

• 44–10–2 (29 KOs), 18 title fights
• Beat Tyson (twice), Bowe, Foreman, Moorer, Mercer, Ruiz, and others
• Former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion
• Unlike Usyk, Holyfield had longevity, but not a spotless record

Mike Tyson

• 50–6 (44 KOs), 16 title fights
• Youngest heavyweight champ in history
• Beat Trevor Berbick, Larry Holmes, Tony Tucker, and Michael Spinks
• Early dominance was fearsome, but post-prison years dimmed his legacy

Rocky Marciano

• 49–0 (43 KOs), retired undefeated
• Wins over Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore
• Small by today’s standards (185 lbs), fighting in an era where modern cruiserweights would’ve dwarfed him

Compared to these men, Usyk’s heavyweight resume is short but sharp. His six world title fights were all against top-10 opposition — no filler, no gimmies.

Cruiserweight Crown and Style Advantage

It’s also worth noting: Usyk has the most dominant cruiserweight resume in boxing history, surpassing even Holyfield. He unified all major belts, beat top contenders in their backyard (Gassiev, Briedis, Glowacki, Huck), and moved up to heavyweight without missing a step.

Stylistically, he presents a nightmare matchup for virtually every historical great:

• Southpaw
• Exceptional footwork
• Iron stamina
• Elite distance control
• Tactical discipline
• Punch volume and variety
• Can adjust mid-fight like a grandmaster

If we matched peak Usyk against any of the greats, it’s very possible he wins on points. But again — those are subjective hypotheticals.

Age and What’s Left

Usyk is now 38 years old. Realistically, he has time for 2 to 4 more top-level fights before natural decline begins to show — if it hasn’t already. His win over Dubois was dominant, but observers saw hints of slippage. The reflexes are a tick slower. The urgency less sharp. He’s still schooling opponents, but time is undefeated.

To truly enter the GOAT conversation based on resume, Usyk would need at least 5 or 6 more wins over top-20 opponents, such as:

• Joseph Parker
• Agit Kabayel
• Filip Hrgovic
• Moses Itauma
• Bakhodir Jalolov
• Jared Anderson

If he beats several of them while still undefeated, his case strengthens dramatically.

So… Is He the Greatest?

Right now? No — not yet.

Not by resume. Not by volume. Not by longevity.

But in terms of purity of skill, consistency, adaptability, and the ability to outclass world-level heavyweights despite size disadvantages, Usyk is possibly the most impressive technician the division has ever seen.

In fantasy matchups, he belongs at the top table.
In real terms? He’s among the elites — but still climbing the mountain.

And that’s what makes this final chapter so compelling.

He’s close. And we’re watching it unfold.