I believe, in my prime, I could have fought with anybody alive.

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.

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.

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

I believe, in my prime, I could have fought with anybody alive.

I was on my face. I heard the count from one to 10. I kept telling myself that I had to get up, but I couldn't move. I couldn't make myself move. It was the strangest feeling.