I lost three times in my career. Losing to Holmes I could deal with, because I lost to a true champion.

The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before going in with [Larry] Holmes. That would have made all the difference.

All of the sports have a safety net, but boxing is the only sport that has none.

I am seeing all the guys, like Earnie Shavers, Tex Cobb, and Larry Holmes all the time.

Muhammad Ali was the kind of guy you either loved or hated, but you wanted to see him. I happen to really love him. He brought boxing to another level and always made you laugh.

Like I say, boxing was on the floor, but it got back up.

I was a left hooker, and I loved hooking. I also really liked to jab and mix it up right away.