Andre Ward

“A lot of times in America, we work on bully muscles. We want the big muscles and the stuff that looks good. But we don't focus on the little things. But that's the stuff that sustains you and keeps you strong.”

“I want to be able to look back and say that I stood where I was supposed to stand. I fought where I was supposed to fight, in the ring and out of the ring.”

“My legacy is so, so important to me.”

“For me, it's about trying to be the best in a sport where there's little room for error.”

“I spar in the gym, and I take pride in my sparring. But I'm a better fighter when the lights come on because it's right now - there is no tomorrow.”

“My question is why does every African American fighter have to be the villain?”

“I don't like to lay down on my food - it's not good for you. I like to take a walk, then meditate and read the Bible.”

“Dad couldn't train me. He was too high-strung, like, 'Throw your jab!' and I'd start crying.”

“My personal goals are to fight and beat the best opponent possible.”

“My mom had struggles. My dad had struggles. He raised me as a single parent. I rebelled and almost quit amateur boxing, but my faith in God had a lot to do with me slowly getting my life together.”

“Monsters have always been built in this sport. I just don't believe the hype. You've got to show me.”

“A lot of boxers have too much on their plate.”

“Not fighting, avoiding talking to fans... that's when the thoughts creep in about retiring and moving on to something else.”

“It's not all the time, but you get a sense when you're reading something that it's no longer about boxing or the performance. It's personal.”

“I'm a five-time world champion in two different weight classes. Man, it's amazing.”

“Sometimes you're going to win close fights, and that's the way it is.”

“I know I'm a good fighter, probably a great fighter. I've fought the best in the world since I was a kid, and I've been fortunate to come out on top.”

“I don't come from a position that I am better than everybody; I come from a position that I had a tough upbringing. And I don't always highlight it, because I just never wanted to be that person with another rags to riches story.”

“I get the headlines for being slick and different things like that - which is part of my game - but it's just amazing to me that a lot of times, the people don't see the other things that go on in that ring. But a lot of times, when my opponents figure it out, the fight is over. It's too late.”

“I don't necessarily think fighters should fight killers every time, but at some point in time, fighters should be fighting the best in their division, period.”