Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest boxers of all time. He was an iconic figure. Thought by some as arrogant and pompous, Muhammad Ali almost always spoke his mind in press conferences and interviews and would talk about topics completely unrelated to boxing such as racial equality and religious freedom.

Ali is widely regarded as a skillful boxer and is considered the best boxer of his generation, if not of all time. Muhammad Ali is one of the most recognized sports figures ever.

Sadly Muhammad Ali passed away on 3rd June 2016 in the United States but his legacy lives on. He was mourned and celebrated by many famous individuals including politicians, actors, sports figures and business people. Many people paid tribute to him.

Muhammad Ali started his professional career in 1964, after beating the then World Heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston which was something unheard of back then. Muhammad Ali was only 22 when he won the World Heavyweight Championship and was considered the underdog in that match. That was the day when he made history.

Muhammad Ali’s quotes were highly profound, highly entertaining and very true. Ali had a poetic style and his quotes were beautiful. Ali would often predict the round that he would knock his opponent out in.

In this article we will tell you of 20 of the greatest quotes by Muhammad Ali. These quotes are inspiring, motivating, ardent and at times funny.

1. “The word ‘Islam’ means ‘peace.’ The word ‘Muslim’ means ‘one who surrenders to God.’ But the press makes us seem like haters.” Muhammad Ali on the medias views of Islam.

2. “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” Muhammad Ali on training hard in the gym.

3. “It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.” Muhammad Ali on being a boxer.

4. “It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.” Muhammad Ali on always believing in himself.

5. “I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace.” Muhammad Ali on his faith and on Islam.

6. “My only fault is that I don’t realize how great I really am.” Muhammad Ali on his greatness.

7. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Muhammad Ali on giving back to others and those less fortunate.

8. “I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.” Muhammad Ali on how fast he is and his speed.

9. “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’” Muhammad Ali with some inspirational words on training.

10. “If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize.” Muhammad Ali on boxing.

11. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.” Muhammad Ali’s classic quote on being fast.

12. “Allah’s the Arabic term for God. Stand up for God, fight for God, work for God and do the right thing, and go the right way, things will end up in your corner.” Muhammad Ali on Islam.

13. “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” Muhammad Ali on bragging.

14. “Joe Frazier is so ugly that when he cries, the tears turn around and go down the back of his head.” Muhammad Ali insulting Joe Frazier.

15. “Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong.” Muhammad Ali on racism.

16. “What keeps me going is goals.” Muhammad Ali on setting goals.

17. “I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I really was the greatest.” Muhammad Ali on being the greatest.

18. “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Muhammad Ali on taking risks.

19. “I don’t smoke but I keep a match box in my pocket. When my heart slips towards a sin, I burn a match stick and heat my palm. Then I say to myself: ‘Ali You can’t bear even this heat, how would you bear the unbearable heat of Hell? ’Muhammad Ali on sinning.

20. “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” Muhammad Ali on being the greatest.

Muhammad Ali was one of the boxers and personalities of best of all time. His wit combined with his intelligence and understanding was great. Unfortunately Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome in 1984. Parkinson’s is an illness which leaves the person with tremors, rigidity and postural instability.

He also used his fame after boxing to give back to less fortunate people and started and supported numerous amount of charities and foundations including UNICEF, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Project A.L.S. Ali continued to give back to charity and continued to do good for other people right til his death.