When it comes to the greatest cruiserweight of all time, Tony Bellew doesn’t hesitate to crown one man as the undisputed king—and his choice might just surprise you. But here’s where it gets controversial: Bellew, the former WBC cruiserweight world champion, boldly declares that Oleksandr Usyk stands alone at the top, a claim that’s sure to spark debate among boxing fans. But let’s dive into why this statement carries so much weight—and why it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
The cruiserweight division, introduced by the World Boxing Council in 1979, has seen its fair share of legends. Marvil Camel and Mate Parlov were the first to vie for the title, but their initial bout ended in a draw. Three months later, Camel made history by becoming the first recognized cruiserweight world champion with a unanimous decision win. Since then, the division has been home to countless greats, including Bellew himself. However, only three fighters—Evander Holyfield, David Haye, and Oleksandr Usyk—have managed to hold belts in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. And this is the part most people miss: Usyk’s dominance in both weight classes has set him apart in ways that even Bellew, who faced him in the final fight of his career, can’t ignore.
On The Matchroom Boxing Podcast, Bellew didn’t hold back. “That kid’s the greatest cruiserweight that’s ever lived,” he declared. “There’s not a cruiserweight that would beat Oleksandr Usyk in the history of the sport, I don’t care who you are.” Even when asked about Holyfield, Bellew insisted, “Evander Holyfield, he would have figured him out and he wouldn’t have caught him.” But is Bellew’s assessment fair? Or is he letting his respect for Usyk cloud his judgment? Here’s the kicker: Usyk, now 39 and undefeated, recently vacated his WBO heavyweight title, leaving fans to wonder if his legacy is already cemented—or if there’s still more to come.
Usyk’s expected return to the heavyweight division for the next two years, with potential matchups against Deontay Wilder or Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2026, only adds fuel to the fire. Will he continue to dominate, or will a new challenger rise to dethrone him? But here’s the real question: Is Usyk truly the greatest cruiserweight ever, or is Bellew’s admiration blinding him to the achievements of others like Holyfield? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—because this debate is far from over.
