What could be better than walking down any street in any city and knowing you're the heavyweight champion of the world?

I'd be conceited if I said I could, but I'd be lying if I said I couldn't.

There is no doubt that man is a competitive animal and there is no place where this fact is more obvious than in the ring. There is no second place. Either you win or you lose. When they call you a champion, it's because you don't lose. To win takes a complete commitment of mind and body.

I have always adhered to two principles. The first one is to train hard and get in the best possible physical condition. The second is to forget all about the other fellow until you face him in the ring and the bell sounds for the fight.

Why waltz with a guy for 10 rounds if you can knock him out in one?

Liston is like most big bullies, if you can stay away and make him miss for a few rounds he'll get frustrated. Once you strip away that feeling of invincibility, he can be had.

To win takes a complete commitment of mind and body. When you can't make that commitment, they don't call you a champion anymore.