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.

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.

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.

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.

God gave me this illness to remind me that I'm not number One; he is.

God gave me this illness to remind me that I'm not number One; he is.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

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.

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.

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.']