Sometimes the image of the intellectual boxer did for me more harm than good. If a boxer has a reputation as an intellectual, some people no longer respect him as a fighter. With me it was always ยLennox should react, not thinkย. But thatยs nonsense. Only the guy who controls his opponent wins.
Lennox LewisRecently I donated money to the establishment of the Muhammad Ali Foundation in Louisville. I regard that as a kind of payback. He smoothed the way for us. He wasnยt just a great person who had conviction, but made the sport of boxing great. He was the first superstar, he made our stock rise. Without him we wouldnยt have earned so much. Americans from every walk of life have contributed to the foundation: Bill Clinton, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt. Unfortunately I was the only American athlete to make a donation. Thereยs not enough respect in our business.
Lennox LewisBoxing and chess are similar. Itยs about the choice of means. Sometimes I need a pawn, a bishop or a knight to defeat my opponent. Itยs about finding the best way. A good boxer has to be variable. He doesnยt just need to know how to punch. He must also know how to protect himself, how to defend, how to avoid the opponentยs punches. Only a complete fighter can become champion.
Lennox Lewis