When I was a boxer, I wanted to be champion of the world, not the richest man in the world.
You don’t know what it is to be heavyweight champ of the world until you become the heavyweight champ of the world.
When you speak to a lot of kids, as I’ve done over the years, you know what to say, keep them laughing, good illustrations and learn to read.
As a matter of fact, there was a period of time, especially in my first career, when that’s the only one who would work out with me: my dogs. As you get better and better working out, there’s no one who can keep up with you running.
Muhammad Ali is a true hero, and the fact there’s something wrong with him is his badge of valour. He’s a great man.
I’ve been on the opposite side of decisions before when the crowd would be booing and saying that I lost. I’ve lived with it. Judging in boxing has been same since the beginning, and it isn’t gonna change.
My friends know that they’re my friends – even my enemies know that they’re my friends.
If you learn to sell, it’s worth more than a degree. It’s worth more than the heavyweight championship of the world. It’s even more important than having a million dollars in the bank. Learn to sell, and you’ll never starve.
The referee is going to be the most important person in the ring tonight besides the fighters.
When I left boxing in 1977 to be a preacher, I couldn’t make a fist after I learned about Jesus Christ.
I dread handshakes. I’ve got some problems with my hands, and everywhere I go, people want to impress me with their grip. To make it worse, now women are coming up with that firm shake.
I’d have to say losing the title to Ali in ’74 was the lowest moment in sports for me. It was the most devastating thing in my boxing career, and it still hurts to this day.
Every day, getting up early in the morning before much traffic, my wife takes me 10 miles from home, drops me off, and I have to get back.
Just take one step at a time, trusting that God still has a plan for you, and He will make the best out of your situation.
It’s strange because you – your life goes so swiftly. You look up one day you’re a teenager, the next day you’re a grandfather and you want to decide, ‘I sure hope my kids don’t make the same mistakes.’
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