Tommy Hearns seemed like an indestructible machine, so to beat him, I think that was my defining moment, the pinnacle.

I think an athlete should be honest. I know it's difficult, but if a guy knocked me on my can, I couldn't very well say, I slipped.

When I was 15 or 16 and I started climbing up the ladder of success in amateur boxing, a reporter asked me, "What do you want to be?" I think he was expecting me to say, "A champion." I said, "I want to be special." I don't know why I said that, but I didn't just want to be a fighter. I wanted to have an impact with people, particularly kids.

I think I've become one of the best finishers in boxing; if I hurt a guy, I normally take him out.

I'll think, If this is his first punch, how are the others gonna feel? That's the only fear I have for myself