Over the weekend the world was rocked with the sad news that three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad “The Greatest” Ali’s has passed away at age 74.
Ali died late last Friday at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona after being admitted due to a respiratory problem. The sportsman had become increasingly frail since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984 and in recent years had limited his public appearances.
Muhammad Ali was widely regarded as one of the greatest and most significant sporting figures in history and is perhaps most remembered for beating the fearsome Sonny Liston to become champion, the Fight of the Century and the Thrilla in Manilla against Joe Frazier and the Rumble in the Jungle in 1964 when, at age 32, he beat George Foreman in Kinshasa to regain back his title.
The boxing legend was also a proud Muslim, fierce advocate for civil rights, railed against the Vietnam War and had a penchant for sharing some pretty impressive life advice. Here are 10 of Muhammad Ali’s most memorable and significant quotes, starting with a classic…
“Float like a butterfly sting like a bee – his hands can’t hit what his eyes can
“I’m not the greatest. I’m the double greatest. Not only do I knock ’em out, I pick the round. I’m the boldest, the prettiest, the most superior, most scientific, most skillfullest fighter in the ring today.”
“It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.”
“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
“What I suffered physically was worth what I’ve accomplished in my life. A man who is not courageous enough to take risks will never accomplish anything in life.”
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”
“Don’t count the days; make the days count”
“The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.”
“Live every day like it’s your last, because someday you’re going to be right.”
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