The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses — behind the lines, in the gym and out there read more

The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses — behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.

I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, read more

I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.

Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his read more

Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even

Service to others is the rent which you pay for your room here on earth.

Service to others is the rent which you pay for your room here on earth.

Statement after losing his first fight to Ken Norton, March 31, 1973: I never thought of losing, but now that read more

Statement after losing his first fight to Ken Norton, March 31, 1973: I never thought of losing, but now that it's happened, the only thing is to do it right. That's my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life.

Superman don't need no seat belt. [Comment to flight attendant, who replied, 'Superman don't need no airplane, either.']

Superman don't need no seat belt. [Comment to flight attendant, who replied, 'Superman don't need no airplane, either.']

Don't count the days, make the days count.

Don't count the days, make the days count.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

Pleasure is not happiness. It has no more importance than a shadow following a man.

Pleasure is not happiness. It has no more importance than a shadow following a man.