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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.
I'm the best. I just haven't played yet [on his golf game].
I'm the best. I just haven't played yet [on his golf game].
Don't count the days, make the days count.
Don't count the days, make the days count.
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.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
I say get an education. Become an electrician, a mechanic, a doctor, a lawyer — anything but a fighter. In read more
I say get an education. Become an electrician, a mechanic, a doctor, a lawyer — anything but a fighter. In this trade, it's the managers that make the money and last the longest.
Fifteen referees. I want fifteen referees to be at this fight because there ain't no one man who can keep read more
Fifteen referees. I want fifteen referees to be at this fight because there ain't no one man who can keep up with the pace I'm gonna set except me. There's not a man alive who can whup me. I'm too fast. I'm too smart. I'm too pretty. I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever get licked.
