Here’s a bold statement: One of boxing’s greatest legends just dropped a bombshell, claiming that Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t deserve a spot among the all-time greats. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many fans and critics hail Usyk as one of the best heavyweights ever, three-weight world champion James Toney isn’t buying it. And this is the part most people miss: Toney argues that today’s fighters, including Usyk, simply aren’t tested against the kind of competition that defined his era.
Usyk’s resume is undeniably impressive. He’s a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, having defeated boxing giants like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois—not once, but twice. His dominance isn’t limited to the heavyweight division; he also reigned as the undisputed cruiserweight champion and clinched a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. These achievements have cemented his status as a modern boxing icon. Yet, Toney remains unconvinced.
In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Toney bluntly stated, ‘He’s [Usyk] average but he’s not great. None of these fighters are all-time greats. It’s not like my era—they don’t fight anybody. The only way you become great is by fighting people who are great.’ Toney’s words spark a fiery debate: Does Usyk’s success truly measure up to the legends of the past, or is he a product of a less competitive era?
Toney’s perspective is rooted in his own storied career. During the 1990s and 2000s, he battled some of the toughest fighters of his time, claiming world titles in three weight classes—middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight. Along the way, he defeated boxing greats like Mike McCallum and Iran Barkley. He even ventured into the heavyweight division, where he beat Evander Holyfield and briefly held the WBA heavyweight title after defeating John Ruiz. However, that victory was later ruled a no contest due to a failed drug test, adding another layer of complexity to his legacy.
While Toney’s criticism of Usyk may seem harsh, it raises a thought-provoking question: Are today’s champions truly tested against the same caliber of opponents as those in the past? And this is where it gets even more intriguing—Usyk’s next rumored opponent has sparked surprise, leaving fans wondering if he’ll face a challenge worthy of changing Toney’s mind. Despite the skepticism, Usyk remains the reigning WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion, and his future performances could yet silence the doubters.
So, here’s the big question for you: Does Oleksandr Usyk deserve to be called an all-time great, or is James Toney right in questioning his legacy? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to pack a punch!
