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

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.

In the ring, I never really knew fear.

Roland La Starza was tough, but Ezzard Charles was the toughest man I ever fought. I learned what pain was all about when I fought him.

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.

I don't want to be remembered as a beaten champion.

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