Muhammad Ali vs Oleksandr Usyk: Can Usyk Surpass Ali’s Legacy?

In the pantheon of heavyweight boxing, Muhammad Ali is often considered the eternal benchmark—the fighter against whom all others are measured. From his era-defining trilogy with Joe Frazier to his triumph over George Foreman in Zaire, Ali’s blend of showmanship, courage, and cultural impact transcended the ring. Fast forward to 2025, and Oleksandr Usyk, the cerebral Ukrainian southpaw, stands as the current undisputed heavyweight champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of this generation. As his dominance continues, a provocative question has emerged: Can Usyk surpass Muhammad Ali’s legacy?

The Case for Ali: Legacy Carved in Stone

Muhammad Ali’s achievements are deeply woven into the fabric of boxing history:

Three-time lineal heavyweight champion
Wins over 7 Hall of Famers, including Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ken Norton, and Archie Moore
Record of 56–5 with 37 KOs, spanning 21 years
1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” and 1975 “Thrilla in Manila”—two of the most iconic fights ever
Unmatched cultural and political impact, notably his stance on the Vietnam War and civil rights
Ali wasn’t just a great boxer—he was a global symbol of resistance, charisma, and change. His legacy is not defined only by his belts but by the era he shaped.

The Case for Usyk: Precision and Purity

Oleksandr Usyk, in contrast, is a product of a different boxing era—one driven by elite skill sets, international competition, and multi-belt systems. His résumé is already remarkable:

Undisputed cruiserweight champion (first in the four-belt era)
Undisputed heavyweight champion as of 2024 after defeating Tyson Fury
Undefeated record (as of July 2025): 23–0, with victories over Anthony Joshua (twice), Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and more
Olympic gold medalist (London 2012)
Known for his technical mastery, footwork, ring IQ, and adaptability

Usyk’s achievements span two weight divisions, and his level of consistency and composure against larger heavyweights is nearly unmatched in modern boxing.

Tale of the Tape: Muhammad Ali vs Oleksandr Usyk

Attribute	Muhammad Ali	Oleksandr Usyk
Height	6’3″ (191 cm)	6’3″ (191 cm)
Reach	78″ (198 cm)	78″ (198 cm)
Weight Class	Heavyweight	Cruiserweight / Heavyweight
Stance	Orthodox	Southpaw
Professional Record	56-5 (37 KOs)	22-0 (14 KOs)

SHOP: The Kickboxer Collection

Styles and Eras: Apples to Oranges?

Comparing Ali and Usyk requires a nuanced understanding of context:

Ali fought in an era with 15-round title fights, limited safety protocols, and fewer weight divisions.
Usyk operates in the modern era of multi-sanctioning bodies, sports science, and more structured competition.
Ali’s style—reflex-based, rhythm-driven, and psychological—relied on improvisation and bravado. Usyk’s game is built on fundamentals, control, and adaptability. While Ali danced, Usyk calculates. Both are difficult to hit. Both impose their will. But they do so in drastically different ways.

Can Oleksandr Usyk Surpass Ali?

In the ring, Usyk’s technical accomplishments may eventually rival or surpass Ali’s—particularly if he remains undefeated, dominates the heavyweight division for several more years, and retires without a loss. His ability to unify cruiserweight and heavyweight belts in the four-belt era is unprecedented.

Outside the ring, however, surpassing Ali’s legacy is far less likely. Ali’s political and cultural influence—his boldness, activism, and generational symbolism—elevated him beyond sport. Usyk, while a proud representative of Ukraine and a voice during wartime, has not had the same global cultural footprint.