I don't call myself a political figure but I'm taken to be.

So when I heard that we don't have our names, we don't speak our true Arabic language, we were robbed of Islam, our true religion, and we've been made deaf, dumb, and blind in slavery.And Elijah Muhammad was taught by Allah, who we refer to as God, to teach us the truth that will free us.And when I heard it, I've been free ever since. I have no racial problems, I don't go where I'm not wanted.

I had it in my heart. I believed in myself, and I had confidence. I knew how to do it, had natural talent and I pursued it.

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

When I was a kid I got mad enough to want to kill somebody but as you travel the world and I'm struggling with a freedom fight against nations, you can't get enough hate in you to be mad at one man just because it's a boxing match. Never. Even Floyd Paterson, who condemned my Islamic religion and didn't want to call me Muhammad Ali and said I should've gone to the army and I should be in jail.

Joe Frazier is ugly. He has no rhythm, no footwork, no class, he cannot talk.

If Ali says a mosquito can pull a plow, don't ask how. Hitch him up.