He didn't have no respect as a professional fighter should, no class. I was going to make him pay with his health for everything he said... I wanted to do it very slowly. I wanted him to remember this for a long time.

Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth.

It's interesting that you put me in the league with those illustrious fighters [Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Jack Johnson], but I've proved since my career I've surpassed them as far my popularity. I'm the biggest fighter in the history of the sport. If you don't believe it, check the cash register.

People love you when you're successful, but if you're not, who really cares about you?

Without struggle, there is no progress. There has to be struggle in your life. You have to grow in experience to control your ego. Cause, you know, an ego can be crushed, it can be killed, it can be smashed, but it comes back. It never dies. That's the thing about the ego: it never dies.

Being a champion opens lots of doors—I'd like to get a real estate license, maybe sell insurance.

I can quit boxing now and practically go into any kind of business and I'll be successful just as well as I was in boxing.