A champion doesn't become a champion in the ring, he's merely recognized in the ring. His “becoming” happens during his daily routine.
The one-time cotton picker was now the heavyweight champion of the world.
Yeah, I'm scared. I'm scared I might kill Schmeling.
You have to be tough and stick it out, or you wind up being nothing.
Every man got a right to his own mistakes. Ain't no man that ain't made any.
The whole damned country was depending on me.