I run on the road long before I dance under the lights.

I was lucky, from the age of 12 I had boxing talent and was good for my age.

I had something to do, which most kids really need. Something they can look forward to - a goal, a purpose to work towards. Something to achieve. Keeps them out of trouble.

I always asked my mother, I said, 'Momma, how come is everything white?' I said, 'Why is Jesus white with blond hair and blue eyes? Why is the Lord's supper all white men? Angels are white, the Pope, Mary, and even the angels.' I said, 'Mother, when we die, do we go to Heaven?' She said, 'Naturally we go to Heaven.' I said, 'Well, what happened to all the black angels?'

I said, 'Oh, I know. If the white folks is in Heaven too, then the black angels were in the kitchen, preparing the milk and honey.'

To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.

I got nothing against no Viet Cong. No Vietnamese ever called me a << racial epithet >>.