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.

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.

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].

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.