rediff.com sports: Ali turns sixty


	Ali Speak Long before Muhammad Ali became a household name because of his boxing skills, it was his gift of the gab that attracted the masses. From the chant he used while training - "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" to the relatively unknown "What you saw, was next to death", he captured the imagination of all. A look at Ali's most memorable quotes and poems. "I always bring out the best in the men I face, but Joe Frazier, I'll tell the world, brings out the best in me. That's one hell of a man." -- After "The Thrilla in Manila" "I am the onliest of boxing's poet laureates." "I was so fast that I could get up, cross the room, turn off the light, and get back in bed before the light went off." "I know where I'm going and I know the truth and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want." -- on his affiliation with the Muslims and giving up his "slave name" for Muhammad Ali "If Ali says a mosquito can pull a blow, don't ask how. Hitch him up!" "My face is so pretty, you don't see a scar, which proves I'm the king of the ring by far." "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life." A Bad Morning Shave You think the world was shocked when Nixon resigned? Wait till I whup George Foreman’s behind. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see Now you see me, now you don’t George thinks he will, but I know he won’t. I done wrassled with an alligator I done tussled with a whale Only last week I murdered a rock Injured a stone, hospitalized a brick I’m so mean I make medicine sick. -- Before the "Rumble in the Jungle" 1974 Song about me Clay comes out to meet Liston And Liston starts to retreat If Liston goes back any further He'll end up in a ringside seat. Clay swings with a left, Clay swings with a right, Look at young Cassius Carry the fight. Liston keeps backing But there's not enough room It's a matter of time. There, Clay lowers the boom. Now Clay swings with a right, What a beautiful swing, And the punch raises the bear, Clear out of the ring. Liston is still rising And the ref wears a frown, For he can't start counting, Till Sonny comes down. Now Liston disappears from view. The crowd is getting frantic, But our radar stations have picked him up. He's somewhere over the Atlantic. Who would have thought When they came to the fight That they'd witness the launching Of a human satellite? Yes, the crowd did not dream When they laid down their money That they would see A total eclipse of the Sonny! I am the greatest! -- Cassius Clay before the first Liston-bout Clean out my cell And take my tail to jail 'Cause better to be in jail fed Than to be in Vietnam, dead -- Refusing the army draft for the Vietnam War This is the legend of Muhammad Ali, The greatest fighter that ever will be. He talks a great deal and brags, indeed, Of a powerful punch and blinding speed. Ali fights great, he’s got speed and endurance; If you sign to fight him, increase your insurance. Ali’s got a left, Ali’s got a right; If he hits you once, you’re asleep for the night. Slide-Show \| Quiz \| Profile \| Your views on the feature

Ali Speak