With semi-pervasive thoughts of retirement floating throughout, St. Petersburg’s Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy contemplated many career alternatives besides boxing. His worldwide notoriety and bevy of accolades notwithstanding, the former IBF and IBO Super middleweight champion and 2000 Olympian always maintained that St. Petersburg is home. Why not do something for the Bay Area that is both constructive and good for the community? Well, according to Lacy, the idea of cohesive community no longer is an idea floating around in the champion’s head. It’s a tangible reality.

Left Hook Promotions has been formed and Lacy will headline the company’s first event April 10 at the USF Sun Dome. Taking a few moments from his training regime to speak with Bay Area Beat, Lacy briefly discusses The Homecoming, The Bay Area, his diverse musical tastes, and motive driving the formation of Left Hook Promotions.

“The toughest part was to actually do it and not just talk about doing it,” Lacy says. “I’ve always discussed doing other things but never got around to putting my foot in the cement and carving my name.” The event, dubbed “The Homecoming,” is a co promotion between Left Hook and One Punch Production, and, according to Lacy, an opportunity to showcase not only the former champ’s incredible talent but the “talents of many excellent local fighters.” Bay Area Beat and Left Hook, then, appear to have similar visions: Support local talent. Lacy agrees wholeheartedly.

“There’s plenty of local talent out there,” Lacy points out. “I’m born and raised in St. Petersburg and I can guarantee there’s incredible talent right here in the Bay Area. Left Hook Promotions is my way of staying true to my commitment. For the moment, I’m concentrating on promoting my career but eventually I may branch out in different areas. There are some excellent prospects who really deserve a break. It’s my way of giving back to the community, so to speak.”

This is Lacy’s third fight and second headliner in his hometown and he promises many more. When preparing to fight Robin Reid at the St. Pete Times forum in August 2007, Lacy held open workouts at MacDill Air Force base.

“This was, perhaps, the biggest honor for me since being selected to represent my country in the (2000) Olympics. That was a special moment for me because those individuals fight hard to protect our freedom and defend this country.”

When discussing his musical tastes, Lacy is forthcoming. “I listen to plenty of music. The media always insists I’m a huge fan of rap music. I like rap, but I like different types of music that appeals to me. I grew up listening to R & B and old school, but my musical tastes have changed over the years. Right now, I’m listening to Rascal Flats and Maroon 5. I like Lil Wayne and really like Kid Rock.” Is there a signature song that Lacy uses when entering the ring?

“Not really. I’ll use whatever attracts me at the moment. No signature “left hook” song, if that’s what you’re asking. Many artists have offered to write one for me, but I politely declined because I wouldn’t want the song to get played out.”

Lacy also admits that he enjoys listening to country music and easy listening. “I listen to several different styles of music during training, relaxing, driving, or just hanging out.” When asked if he favors any particular Bay Area artist or performer, Lacy confesses that, because of his hectic schedule, he doesn’t attend to the local music scene with regularity.

“There are some excellent local musicians out there, but in order to really grab my attention, I need to hear something that’s new, original and different. I don’t like music that sounds like everything else.”

Free from promoters, managers, and the physically and emotionally draining business politics of the fight industry, Lacy promises that his head is, indeed, “clear” and he’s looking forward to the future.

“What keeps me going is my love for this sport,” he says. “Sure I’ve contemplated retirement,” he states. “Especially after the (Joe) Calzaghe and (Jermaine) Taylor fights. My head wasn’t clear. I’ve experienced plenty of emotional ups and downs both inside and outside the ring. But I really love boxing and, because I’m free from all those distractions, I’m committed to the sport and, most important, committed to myself and career.” We at Bay Area Beat have no doubt that Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy will be a champion once again.