Muhammad Ali: How he said he wanted to be remembered when he died

For all his prowess in the ring, boxing legend Muhammad Ali will always be remembered for his witty one-liners, pre-fight trash talk and magnetic personality.


He was a three-time heavyweight champion of the world, and if there'd been a title for smooth-talking he'd probably have won that too.

So while the answer he gave when asked what he'd like his legacy to be was full of sincerity, he also signed off with his signature charm.

Here's what he said:

"I would like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times.

Who was humorous and who treated everyone right.

As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him.

And who helped as many people as he could.

As a man who stood up for his beliefs no matter what.

As a man who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love.

And if all that's too much then I guess I'd settle for being remembered only as a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people.

And I wouldn't even mind if folks forgot how pretty I was."