04/25/24
June 28, 2002
New Yorker's Editor David Remnick on British Gentleman Lennox Lewis: "A few weeks before the fight, I visited Lewis at his training camp in the Poconos. I went twice, first with a passel of other reporters, and a second time alone....In training, Lewis, unlike Tyson, unlike many of the moderns, practices the Spartan code: work, celibacy, boredom, and games—chess, mainly. The maternal presence provides warmth but a certain added discipline, too. 'My mother grounds me,' Lewis told me later in the day. 'She still tells me to clean up my room.' Remnick also authored King of the World-Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero. Looks like he's angling for the book deal.
That was fabuous Voyageman. Thanks. Lewis never fails to impress me as an intelligent and thoughtful individual. A rare commodity in a boxer, surely? Tyson has shown us, over the years, mostly the bad side of his personality. But I do agree with Fat Buddha that he showed humility in his response to the battering he took from Lewis. I for one would be happy if he would bow out from the boxing scene now on this note, and leave me with a memory of a man who, though his faults were myriad, was an awesome fighter at his peak.
posted by squealy at 09:47 AM on June 29, 2002
Yes, I read that in the New Yorker, while in the bathroom the other day (too much information, I know). A splendid article, one that makes you appreciate the new heavyweight champion. It is a shame that Lewis has been largely overlooked because he proves to be a gentleman. The man has skills. Sure, he's no Muhammad Ali, but then who is? If Lewis retires, and I bet that he will soon, boxing will be in desparate need for a new champion.
posted by jacknose at 09:47 AM on June 30, 2002
An enormous thank you for that. Beautiful writing, if he has earned a book deal he deserves it. I still feel sorry for Tyson. He is a lonely ,fucked up and friendless individual. If the quote about him asking his corner to stop the fight is true, he is even more friendless than I realised. I know many will dispute it but I think he displayed nobility and courage in defeat. Could have been the drugs talking, I suppose.