Rocky is a poor Italian boy from a poor Italian family, and he appreciates the buck more than almost anybody. He's only got two halfway decent purses so far, and it was like a tiger tasting blood

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

In the ring, I never really knew fear.