What could be better than walking down any street in any city and knowing you're the heavyweight champion of the world?

I'd be conceited if I said I could, but I'd be lying if I said I couldn't.

To win takes a complete commitment of mind and body. When you can't make that commitment, they don't call you a champion anymore.

Why waltz with a guy for 10 rounds if you can knock him out in one?

Roland La Starza was tough, but Ezzard Charles was the toughest man I ever fought. I learned what pain was all about when I fought him.

I was on my face. I heard the count from one to 10. I kept telling myself that I had to get up, but I couldn't move. I couldn't make myself move. It was the strangest feeling.

Liston is like most big bullies, if you can stay away and make him miss for a few rounds he'll get frustrated. Once you strip away that feeling of invincibility, he can be had.

That was a f****g dumb question. If I didn't think I was gonna win, why the hell would I be fighting?!

In the ring, I never really knew fear.

The greatness of Marciano in the ring was defined by the way he prepared for a fight, his ability to punch and take a punch.

I believe, in my prime, I could have fought with anybody alive.

Never let me lose you, Ink. Never let me screw this up. And never think for one moment that I don't love you, need you or want you with me.

Until now, he has never told the full story of his life, in his own voice.

Because time moves more slowly in Kid World ... it goes on for decades ... It is adult life that is over in a twinkling.

The song and the land are one.

Why do I live in the desert? Because the desert is the *locus Dei*.

Footballers are more likely to work better if they get a pat on their back from the boss. A knife in the back is never the answer.

Holding on to the weak is called strength.

I'm not going to relate to an athlete as a peer.

I don't live life to be remembered for anything.

Dancin' in the welfare lines.