r89190_1296x729_16-9 — In this Nov. 15, 1962, file photo, young heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay, who later changed his name to Muhammad Ali, points to a sign he wrote on a chalk board in his dressing room before his fight against Archie Moore in Los Angeles, predicting he’d knock Moore out in the fourth round, which he went on to do. AP Photo/Harold P. Matosian

By Kelley D. Evans @kelleysthrngrl

June 7, 2016

“I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was. I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I was really the greatest.” – Muhammad Ali

His reputation preceded him. Muhammad Ali talked a lot of trash, but he could back up every word while inspiring millions of people.

His rhyming and unapologetic self-respect were infectious. His words got to the core of people’s desires, encouraging them to reach for their goals and dreams. And throughout his career, he was responsible for coining some of the most persuasive and motivational phrases to ever come out of the sports world.

Take a look at some Ali’s most inspiring quotes.

Kelley Evans is a digital producer at Andscape. She is a food passionista, helicopter mom and an unapologetic Southerner who spends every night with the cast of The Young and the Restless by way of her couch.

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