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.

There are more pleasant things to do than beat up people.

There are more pleasant things to do than beat up people.

It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.

It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.

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

Explaining why he refused induction into the Army. I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Congs.

Explaining why he refused induction into the Army. I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Congs.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

I'm gonna have to be killed before I lose, and I ain't going to die easy.

I'm gonna have to be killed before I lose, and I ain't going to die easy.

To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are.

To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are.

The service you do for others is the rent you pay for the time you spend on earth.

The service you do for others is the rent you pay for the time you spend on earth.