American boxer (1942- )
If you were surprised when Nixon resigned, just watch what happens when I whup Foreman's behind!
MUHAMMAD ALI
comment prior to the "Rumble in the Jungle", Oct. 30, 1974
Now I'm not sayin' just to be funny, but I'm fightin' Ernie because he needs the money.
MUHAMMAD ALI
comment before his fight with Ernie Terrell, Feb. 1967
When I was 9, I saw a wrestler on television named Gorgeous George. He said, "I'm beautiful. I'm so pretty that if a sucker touches my face, I'll kill him. If he messes with my hair, I'll pummel him." I said to myself, "That's a good idea. I am the greatest, I'm pretty." And then I took it a little further than he did.
MUHAMMAD ALI
O Magazine, Jun. 2001
Before I became a Muslim, I ate pork and chased women--but all that stuff stopped.
MUHAMMAD ALI
O Magazine, Jun. 2001
You been hearing about how bad I am since you were a little kid with mess in your pants! Tonight, I'm gonna whip you till you cry like a baby.
MUHAMMAD ALI
comment to George Foreman before the "Rumble in the Jungle", Oct. 30, 1974
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
MUHAMMAD ALI
Woman's Day, Apr. 1, 2009
I'm not into fashion at all. I always wear the same thing: dark suits. I don't even know where I get them.
MUHAMMAD ALI
"New Again: Muhammad Ali", Interview Magazine
If we continue to think and live as if we belong only to different cultures and different religions, with separate missions and goals, we will always be in self-defeating competition with each other. Once we realize we are all members of humanity, we will want to compete in the spirit of love.
MUHAMMAD ALI
The Soul of a Butterfly
Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer.
MUHAMMAD ALI
attributed, The Gospel According to ESPN
The time when Christ was 33, so I could see if he really got up from the grave. Or maybe I'd go back to the time of Cleopatra, before Marc Antony got tight with her. I'd try to hit on her first.
MUHAMMAD ALI
in response to the question: What time would you like to go back to, if possible?, "The Ali Mystique", Newsweek, September 29, 1975
There live a great man named Joe / who was belittled by a loudmouth foe / While his rival would taunt and tease / Joe silently bore the stings / And then fought like gladiator in the ring
MUHAMMAD ALI
poem dedicated to Joe Frazier, "The Silent Warrior"
I think the people of our religion should be tolerant and understand people believe different things.
MUHAMMAD ALI
CNN, Sep. 20, 2001
Ain't no reason for me to kill nobody in the ring, unless they deserve it.
MUHAMMAD ALI
comment after his fight with Jimmy Ellis was stopped by the referee in the twelfth round, Jul. 1971
Prejudice comes from being in the dark; sunlight disinfects it.
MUHAMMAD ALI
attributed, Jan Sutton's 1000 Pocket Positives
I tried to be the greatest boxer in the world and a good parent, too. I had instant feedback on my success as a boxer. Often, parents don't really know if what they are doing is right or wrong until their child is grown and it is too late to change any of the decisions. Whatever my failings as a parent, I am very proud of all my children. It wasn't easy for them to make their own way with such a controversial and public father.
MUHAMMAD ALI
The Soul of a Butterfly
Archie's been living off the fat of the land. I'm here to give him his pension plan.
MUHAMMAD ALI
comment before his fight with Archie Moore, 1962
Clay comes out to meet Liston and Liston starts to retreat -- if Liston goes back an inch farther he'll end up in a ringside seat.
MUHAMMAD ALI
poem composed before his fight with Sonny Liston, 1963
I can't see what God's plan is. I just know I've got to live with it.
MUHAMMAD ALI
O Magazine, Jun. 2001
Last night I had a dream. When I got to Africa, I had one hell of a rumble. I had to beat Tarzan's behind first, for claiming to be King of the Jungle.
MUHAMMAD ALI
poem written before his match with George Foreman, 1974
Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating.
MUHAMMAD ALI
attributed, 1000 Pocket Positives