Our second installment of Famous Fight Quotes stays with boxing, but adds a modern twist to the most famous boxers of all time, Muhammed Ali and his many famous and often funny quotes.
A man who inspired not just generations of boxers but generations of young people, Muhammed Ali changed the world he lived in. His quick wit behind the camera made him the most watched sportsman of his time alongside his philosophy, good looks and of course his incredible talent in the boxing ring.
Outside of boxing he became an icon for young people all over the world. His fights have become legendary but he also had strong political views and actions. Such as refusing the draft and standing up against the Vietnam War and accepting the consequences. Later in life he spoke out repeatedly against racism and campaigned against Islamophobia in the US following the 9/11 attacks.
Ali has been called the original trash talker making fun of opponents and starting the psychological battle long before the bell rang. Modern fighters such as Floyd Mayweather, Tito Ortiz and of course the Notorious Conor McGreggor, have picked up the torch. But none could deny Ali was a master of this this game long before these fighters words were broadcast across the worlds screens.
We could run a whole series on Muhammed Ali quotes alone but here are a few favorites…
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”
“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion’.”
“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
“Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong.”
“You lose nothing when fighting for a cause … In my mind the losers are those who don’t have a cause they care about.”
However we choose this quote and no doubt, it inspired many a fighter:
“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.” Muhammad Ali 1942 – 2016
While researching I found this video, which proves to be one of the best compilations of Ali quotes I’ve seen, so I just had to share it!
