Despite the Dominant Chain, Usyk is Still Only Just Top 20 – According to McKenzie

Oleksandr Usyk’s reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion has sparked admiration across the boxing world, yet former three-weight world champion Duke McKenzie has cast a contrarian shadow over the celebration. In a bold and controversial statement, McKenzie recently declared that Usyk “just barely” makes the all-time top 20 heavyweights list, placing him behind legendary names like Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, George Foreman, and even so-called “gatekeepers” such as David Tua and Ray Mercer.

Usyk’s most recent performance — a dominant fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois in their rematch — had many experts and fans pushing for his inclusion among boxing’s immortals. Having now conquered the heavyweight division after unifying the cruiserweight titles and winning gold at the Olympics, Usyk has built an unparalleled resume. But McKenzie remains skeptical.

The McKenzie Verdict: Respect, But Not Reverence

Speaking on a boxing podcast, McKenzie said, “Usyk is a phenomenal talent, no question. He’s skilled, intelligent, and highly disciplined. But when we’re talking about the greatest heavyweights in history, you have to measure more than titles and technique — you have to look at dominance, power, opposition, and era.”

He continued, “I can’t see him beating a prime George Foreman, who could knock your head into the crowd with either hand. I can’t see him out-muscling Evander Holyfield, who stood toe-to-toe with Tyson and Bowe. Even guys like David Tua or Ray Mercer — maybe not the most decorated, but physically too much for Usyk. He’s a small heavyweight. They’d walk him down.”

McKenzie clarified that his opinion wasn’t meant to diminish Usyk’s greatness. “He’s elite. Just not on the Mount Rushmore of heavyweights.”

Usyk’s Resume: A Unique Path to the Top

Despite McKenzie’s stance, Usyk’s career deserves serious respect. The Ukrainian began at cruiserweight, where he unified the division with wins over Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev, and Tony Bellew — all in their prime. Transitioning to heavyweight, he faced doubters but silenced them by outclassing Anthony Joshua twice, surviving an early scare to beat Daniel Dubois in their first meeting, and then dominating the rematch with a fifth-round knockout.

Notably, he holds two wins each over Joshua, Fury, and Dubois, making him the only heavyweight in the modern four-belt era to clean out three top contenders. He’s also one of the rare few in history to become an undisputed champion in two divisions.

The Size Argument: Can Skill Overcome Mass?

Much of McKenzie’s criticism centers on Usyk’s size. At around 220 pounds, Usyk is significantly smaller than the giants who now populate the division. Fighters like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and even Lennox Lewis all enjoy height and reach advantages, along with devastating knockout power.

However, what Usyk lacks in physical mass, he compensates for with superior footwork, timing, and IQ. Many fans and analysts argue that Usyk is redefining what it means to be a heavyweight champion in the modern era, much like Floyd Mayweather redefined boxing’s smaller weight classes.

As one fan on social media put it: “If we’re ranking heavyweights purely on brutality, Usyk may fall short. But if we’re talking skill, composure, and legacy across weight classes, he’s already top 10.”

Reactions Across the Boxing World

McKenzie’s comments immediately lit up boxing forums and sports talk shows. Some echoed his skepticism, pointing out that Usyk has yet to face a prime Deontay Wilder, and that Fury’s second defeat — should it come — will be marred by debates over motivation and conditioning.

Others came to Usyk’s defense, citing his ability to neutralize larger opponents, adjust mid-fight, and consistently execute under pressure. ESPN analyst Teddy Atlas said, “Usyk’s greatness is built on more than his opponents. It’s about what he’s overcome — language barriers, fighting on the road, politics, war in his home country. He’s a once-in-a-generation fighter.”

Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis offered a more diplomatic take: “Top 10? Top 20? That’s always subjective. But Usyk’s done things most of us never did — undisputed in two divisions. That’s legacy stuff.”

Usyk’s Own View: Let the Record Speak

To his credit, Usyk has remained silent amid the rankings chatter. In a recent interview, he brushed off legacy talk, saying, “My job is to fight. Let people talk. I only care about representing my country, my family, and my God.”

Still, behind the scenes, his team is carefully considering his next move. After dominating Dubois, the most logical next opponent is Joseph Parker, the WBO mandatory challenger. But talk of a high-risk, high-reward clash with Deontay Wilder has surfaced again, with some insiders suggesting Usyk might accept the fight to add another legendary name to his resume.

Looking Ahead: Legacy Still in Progress

Whether Duke McKenzie’s evaluation of Usyk proves accurate will depend in part on what comes next. If Usyk defeats Parker, Wilder, and possibly Agit Kabayel, there would be little left to question.

There’s even speculation of an exhibition fight against Mike Tyson, a bout that would have symbolic weight but little impact on legacy. More interestingly, Usyk’s longevity is a factor — at 38, he’s nearing the twilight of his career. Should he retire undefeated as a heavyweight, it would be an achievement that only Rocky Marciano and Tyson Fury (briefly) have matched in the modern era.

If history remembers him not for his power but for his precision, not for knockouts but for dominance, Usyk may eventually rise even higher in the all-time conversation.

Final Word

Duke McKenzie’s comments are a sobering reminder that greatness in boxing is always viewed through a subjective lens. While some focus on titles and skill, others weigh brute strength, charisma, and mythical matchups across eras.

But what cannot be denied is this: Oleksandr Usyk has already carved out a unique place in boxing history. Whether he ends up 20th, 10th, or top 5, his story is one of discipline, courage, and quiet dominance in a sport that often rewards flash over fundamentals.

And in time, even his harshest critics may find themselves revisiting those rankings — with Usyk’s name etched higher than they once believed.