Just look at the great Nelson Mandela. He came out of prison and saved his entire country. Some of the best people in the world have spent time in prison.

When I found Jesus Christ, I learned to be a better athlete. I didn't have to go out there and knock them out in the first round. I've learned to be patient, skillful in the ring. At the same time, I wanted to prove to other boxers that you can take off this killer instinct stuff, you can be a great athlete, a great boxer, and love your brother.

Don't let any opportunity lead you away from serving God. That's a price that's too high to pay.

There's more to boxing than hitting. There's not getting hit, for instance.

The world is full of people who want to play it safe, people who have tremendous potential but never use it. Somewhere deep inside them, they know that they could do more in life, be more, and have more -- if only they were willing to take a few risks.

Choose wise and Godly people to advise you.

Sonny Liston stood up to me and actually made me give ground. No one has ever done that to me before or since.