“War is against the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. I’m not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger.” Muhammad Ali on refusing to join the army during the Vietnam War.
“When I was 14 years old and listening to the radio and I heard the announcer: ‘… and still champion of the whole world, Rocky Marciano…’ I knew I wanted to be champion some day. He was a big influence in the start of my career.”
“The king, the master, my idol.” Ali on Sugar Ray Robinson.
“It was the closest thing to death that I could feel.” After defeating Joe Frazier in the Thrilla in Manila,
“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.” After losing to Ken Norton in 1973.
“It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.”
“It’s not bragging if you can back it up.”
“I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.”
“When you are as great as I am it is hard to be humble”
