I did not take the name, I just named myself Cassius Clay, this is a honorable, Mohammed Ali, given to me by my religious leader and teacher, the Honorable Elijah Mohammed, and I would like to say that Mohammed means in Arabic "one who is worthy of praise" and one praiseworthy, and Ali means the most High, but the slave name Clay meant dirt with no ingredients.

There are more pleasant things to do than beat up people.

In a competition of love we'll all share in the victory, no matter who comes first

If the boxers are a little more colorful, talk a little like I did and just do half as much as I did for boxing, it will be all right.

Our only hope lies in the power of our love, generosity, tolerance and understanding and our commitment to making the world a better place for all.

I didn't run with a gang - I didn't have time. There were a few little street gangs sitting in the spotlights at night time - talking and playing marbles. But I was so wrapped up in boxing since I was 12.

Enjoy your children, even when they don't act the way you want them to.