It’s with great sadness that I heard of the death of the legendary heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali. Despite his phenomenal success in the ring, he was always far more than just one of the all-time great boxers. This was probably reflected when Sports Illustrated crowned “Sportsman of the Century”, while the BBC named him as “Sports Personality of the Century”. Ali was also a true civil rights campaigner who was an unfailing and iconic inspiration to many. Below are eight (well ok nine) quotes that sum up just why to many he will always be “The Greatest”.
Live every day like it’s your last because someday you’re going to be right.
I am so fast that last night I turned off the light switch and was in bed before the room was dark.
I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.
Don’t count the days; make the days count.
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
It’s hard to be humble, when you’re as great as I am.
If you even dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologise.
If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.
Alex Raphael 
Thank you. Great lines-all of them. A character, a champion and a wonderful human being. 💙
He left one heck of a legacy in and out of the ring. Impossible to think of modern life without him. He inspired so many people and was never afraid to stand up for what he believed in.
So sad to hear he’s gone. One of the great sportpeople ever. Loved the quotes you collected.
Thanks. He had no shortage of them. So charismatic and yet profound. This is probably his most famous. I hope you like the photo too. https://alexraphael.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/lines-of-the-day-muhammad-ali/
Great quotes. Today is a sad day.
Very sad. A fighter and an entertainer and an icon until the very end. His legacy will live on forever.
Hear, hear.
He showed courage and humour even when suffering Parkinson’s. A true inspiration. To think he wasn’t allowed to eat in a restaurant having got back from winning his gold medal. He helped change the world.
Fantastic quotes! He was the greatest.
There won’t be anyone close to him in any sport for a good long time, if at all.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is the closest person I can think of. If you know what I mean! Highly talented, makes it look easy, bit of a rebel 🙂
He was a great man, a sad loss to the world. 2016 certainly has been a terrible year for the death of so many wonderful much loved celebrities.
It’s not even halfway through and it’s been the worst I can think of. His fight against Parkinson’s was fitting of the courage he showed in the ring and in his beliefs.
Yes truly the case on both counts. 2016 has been some year 😦
Some beautiful quotes there. Another sad loss, of a great personality, in 2016!!
2016 has been dreadful for the death of much-loved entertainers. Now they’re taking people from the sporting world.
Thanks for liking my post. I like this one too. I remember Ali from as far back as 1962—accurately predicting all of his fight victories—was amazing!
Only one bookmaker was even taking odds of Ali beating Sonny Liston first time around. His bravery in standing up for his religion was incredible.
Also agree on 2016—almost spooky about the number of celebrity deaths. Now the Orlando shooting. I don’t know…..
Tragic stuff. Been reading all the details.
He was a legend
He inspired us all and changed so much 🙂
He was king😔
And the greatest
The Greatest. There ain’t going to be nobody like him in sports ever again.
Before or since. One of a kind.
Thanks for your support
He was a very special man and had an impact on us all.