A moment with Lennox
Lennox Lewis meets me in the lobby of the Jamaica Pegasus Kingston. His room 413 is in much demand.
There’s not much time for this interview — there never is. He picks the spot. Downstairs on the coffee terrace. There’s small talk and then we begin. It’s easy to stare into his beautiful face. His skin is unblemished and his lips part to reveal the perfect Hollywood smile — white teeth against black gums. His smile is an easy one and he seems finally relaxed. I ask him about his visit this time as one of the special guests of the people of Jamaica, as the nation celebrates its 40th year of Independence.
“I’m amazed,” says he, “that many people really just cannot understand the importance of being an independent nation.” He continues. “It’s a big deal and I really enjoyed being a part of it and the Independence Gala. Coxsone’s award is long overdue, he deserved it long time.”
Enough of the formalities…I want to learn more about the softer side of Lennox. The soft left hook. His face seems the most unlikely place for hard punches. I quickly plead with him to quit whilst he’s ahead. He seems to agree but immediately adds, “I think though that the best is yet to come.”
How does the champion spend a quiet weekend? I cut to the chase: a romantic weekend. He smiles the smile of an individual who knows what his legion of female fans would like to know but is still not comfortable in bearing his soul. ” I really do not like to disclose too much. It gives (opponents) the edge if they know too much.” His response is that of an honest individual, wary of always having the advantage; (he plays a lot of chess) certainly not a player.
Lennox Lewis (LL): I seek out the sun. I spend a lot of time training (in cold climes) and therefore, miss the heat. I love the heat. There’s no truth to Lennox not being an early morning person. He warms to the sun and will therefore, rise with its warm rays. If he’s in cold climes however, it’s a struggle to get out of bed.
(Lennox would take his 6’5″ body, along with his 246 pounds to Jamaica’s Port Antonio or Miami’s South Beach.)
LL: A meal in a restaurant, a boat ride.
Novia McDonald-Whyte (NMW): Would you have sent her flowers?
LL: Oh yes. I must admit that I found them at first (I still do) to be a colossal waste of money. I mean they die so quickly. But ladies love them so I send them. I also buy (have bought) lots of bottles of perfume.
(The champ seems mellow enough to probe further).
NMW: How’s your mother’s namesake?
(Another beautiful smile.)
LL: That’s funny cos that’s exactly what my mum says. (We are referring to Violet Chang.)
She’s fine… she’s not with me this trip cos she’s studying.
NMW: Did she attend Scott de Mercado’s wedding in Sweden? (Scott is Lennox Lewis’ best friend, trainer and chess partner and son of Jamaican marketing guru, George de Mercado).
LL: No, she was in fact a bridesmaid at a wedding in New York.
(He offers no more discourse so I push further.)
NMW: Will we be eating any (wedding) cake in the not-too-distant future?
(His eyes look away, and then back.)
LL: Everyone expects us to marry but it’s important to spend time knowing each other. I’ve never been married and have no children. The woman I settle down with (marry) will be the mother of all of my children.
And I plan to have lots. I ‘m doing everything
backwards — my career and then family.
NMW: Tell me about your ideal woman?
LL: [He quotes Louis Farrakhan] “Women cause change …they’re incredibly powerful. A woman would have become president by now had they had the vote 10 years earlier.” For my part, I’m not much into conversation. I talk with my eyes (they’re very expressive dark brown). We must be in sync…able to go with the flow.
There is however, that one beautiful thing, the eyes, the nose, the mouth. I however, go for the full 100.
NMW: There was talk of you and Serena Williams at Wimbledon.
(If he understands my insinuations he doesn’t let on.)
LL: She’s amazing and we’re good friends. I mention that the British press has been hounding us here in Jamaica for information about him and his girl. Lennox Chuckles before answering. That’s because Violet was at the fight and they confused her with my former girlfriend Ayesha.”
We segue into the impact on the world of people like the Williams sisters, Tiger Woods, himself. It becomes evident now, why he’s somewhat hesistant to hang up his gloves. Does he feel that his raison d’etre is incomplete?
Our conversation moves to cologne. His favourite? He asks me to smell his cologne called Essence of a Black Man. I fall into the trap and ask who is it by.
He does smell delicious!
He chills out listening to the music of D’Angelo, Prince or Culture. He picks the music for his fights.
LL: TV usually watches me…we take turns.
(Pam from Montego Bay does his hair. That’s all he’ll divulge).
LL: It needs to be done right now. (His hairline, visible under the tam, is grey.)
Lennox is casually dressed in a track suit. He’s comfortable in threads by Fubu and Sean John. His tailored suits are from Saville Row, London. He also wears suits from Los Angeles designer, Dave Ricky. Favourite movie stars are Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes. His credo is simple “…do unto others…”.
NMW: And what gets the heavyweight champion of the world upset?
LL: If someone steals my last Rolo (chocolates with a toffee -filled centre).
NMW: What’s your favourite colour?
LL. I’m told it’s blue and in fact all of my cars are Blue — the Aston Martin, a Bentley Continental T Mulliner, a Range Rover and a BMW sports coupe. I love nice cars.
NMW: Last book read?
LL. Lennox (his biography). I love its black and white look. I’ve always loved the natural look/feel of black and white. The book is great, it really flows.
The interview is definitely over. I’m happy that he loves chocolates. (We have something in common!)
Last words Lennox: Jamaicans are just cool. (He’s cool too.)
Now that his official duties over, Lennox will spend the next couple of days catching up with friends on the island’s north coast prior to joining Violet in New York.
