Heavyweight history updated: Usyk surpasses Lewis, Klychkos in top rankings
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: Getty Images)
WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has moved up in the historical ranking of the oldest heavyweight belt holders, surpassing legendary British boxer Lennox Lewis, according to Champion.
How Usyk surpassed Lewis
On June 25, the Ukrainian boxer turned 38 years and 158 days old, which allowed him to move to 6th place on the prestigious list.
Right behind him is Lewis, who held the title at 38 years and 157 days. Following in the ranking are Evander Holyfield (38 years and 135 days), Corrie Sanders (38 years and 25 days), and Larry Holmes (37 years and 322 days).
Ahead of Usyk is Jersey Joe Walcott (38 years and 236 days). Ukrainian boxer may overtake him on September 10, 2025, if he still holds his championship belts at that time.
Klychko brothers in the top 3
Interestingly, two Ukrainians are in the top three oldest champions in heavyweight history:
- Vitalii Klychko (2nd place) retired as WBC champion at 42 years and 150 days
- Volodymyr Klychko (3rd place) held the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles until he was 39 years and 248 days old
Usyk could move past Volodymyr on September 22, 2026. To surpass Vitali, he'd need to remain champion until June 2029.
At the top of the ranking is George Foreman. He held the IBF belt at 46 years and 170 days. Theoretically, Usyk could break this record only in 2033.
Top 10 oldest world heavyweight champions (as of June 26, 2025):
- George Foreman – 46 years, 170 days
- Vitalii Klychko – 42 years, 150 days
- Volodymyr Klychko – 39 years, 248 days
- Oleg Maskaev – 39 years, 6 days
- Jersey Joe Walcott – 38 years, 236 days
- Oleksandr Usyk – 38 years, 158 days
- Lennox Lewis – 38 years, 157 days
- Evander Holyfield – 38 years, 135 days
- Corrie Sanders – 38 years, 25 days
- Larry Holmes – 37 years, 322 days
Usyk's victories in the heavyweight
The Ukrainian won his championship titles in September 2021 after defeating Anthony Joshua. He then defended them in the rematch and, in 2023, defeated Daniel Dubois.
Finally, in May 2024, Usyk beat Tyson Fury in a unification bout, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades. In December of the same year, he defeated Fury again in a rematch.
What's next
On July 19, Usyk is scheduled to face Daniel Dubois again at Wembley Stadium in London.
Retaining his belts is at stake, as well as the title of undisputed champion, which Usyk can win for a second time in the heavyweight division and for the third time (including cruiserweight) in his professional career.
Previously, we highlighted 5 key victories that made Usyk the king of boxing.
