Boxer quotes thread

[JAB5239]

'I was born the 15th October 1858. I began prize fighting when I was only nineteen years old. How did I start? Well, I had a prize match with a man who had never been downed, and I was the winner. This got me lots of notice, so I went through the country giving exhibitions. I have made plenty of money in my day, but I have been a fool and today I have nothing. It came easy and went easy.'
- John L Sullivan

[Willie Pep 229]

Not a boxer quote but I love this quote. . . . It's about losing it all like Sullivan.

" I spent half my money on women, booze, and ********, the other half I wasted." W.C. Fields.

[JAB5239]

'I'm not an athlete, don't call me an athlete. How can you compare me with Billie Jean King or Magic Johnson? They're athletes. Athletes have careers. Athletes have to prepare. At any moment, I'm ready. I never liked sports. Sports are only social events. I'm a warrior, a missionary. What I do is an obsession. If I wasn't in boxing, I'd be breaking laws, that's my nature.'
- Mike Tyson

[JAB5239]

'I was six foot one inch when I started fighting, but with all the uppercuts I'm up to six foot five inches.'
- Chuck Wepner

[JAB5239]

'When I hear people talk about the great fights, I hear my name a lot. Win or lose, I guess I earned people's respect.'
- Thomas Hearns

[JAB5239]

'In the ring, I never really knew fear.'
- Rocky Marciano

[JAB5239]

'A champion doesn't become a champion in the ring, he's merely recognized in the ring. His 'becoming' happens during his daily routine.'
- Joe Louis

[JAB5239]

'The 'Tough Man' contests were for 21-year-olds, but I weighed 150 pounds at 13, so I got a fake ID card and entered. My dad and uncles had given me an edge, so having a boxing background made it easier because a lot of the older guys didn't know how to fight.'
- Tommy Morrison

[JAB5239]

'Thank you to every person who has told me I can’t. You are just another reason I will.'
- Manny Pacquiao

[JAB5239]

'If a man is a pugilist, what greater honour can be achieved than winning the world crown? It's a thrill that lasts long. It meant a lot to me.'
- Jack Dempsey