In Florida I was illiterate, Boxing Authority didn't want me, then they had a special psychiatrist to come to Kentucky, they checked and they didn't want me. But as soon as my name was Mohammed Ali, as soon as I announced I was a Muslim, then all of a sudden I became smart.

When you saw me in the boxing ring fighting, it wasn't just so I could beat my opponent. My fighting had a purpose. I had to be successful in order to get people to listen to the things I had to say.

I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given.

There are no pleasures in a fight but some of my fights have been a pleasure to win.

I only read the Holy Koran, the Bible and the sports pages

The more we help others, the more we help ourselves

I just try to stay half way decent looking. Boxing's a rough sport and you get hit a lot.