A great champion needs a background in amateur boxing, Iย'm convinced of that. There you learn everything that youยll need later as a pro. Someone whoยs got more than 400 amateur fights behind him no longer gets nervous before going into the ring and doesnยt lose his nerve during a fight. You know all the boxing styles, youยre prepared for anything, youยve got the pedigree that you need to be a successful pro.
Lennox LewisWhen I saw Tyson knocking everybody out on TV, I thought, He's goooood. But when I saw him in person, he didn't look as awesome.
Lennox LewisI play chess about four hours a day in training camp. You have to decide what move to use, or what combination of moves. I think less when I box because the reaction time is a lot quicker, but some people call me the chess boxer because they say I think too much in the ring. I take my time and they don't see the action they want. Some boxers just go in there and just throw punches and hope to win.
Lennox LewisBoxing always was corrupt and always will be corrupt. The three world champion's belts really are absurd. One single association would make this business more reputable. Just as powerful as the promoters, is the media. The cable networks control the cash flow. You canยt ignore the influence the media and the promoters have on the sport. They have a financial objective - high ratings, selling pay-per-views and selling out arenas. Because of the system, the public may not be seeing the best the sport has to offer, but what sells.
Lennox Lewis