"I was called "Rembrandt" Hope in my boxing days, because I spent so much time on the canvas." -Bob Hope

Willie Pep, talking to an old opponent years after each retired. "Do you recognize me?" the old opponent asked. Willie looked hard and considered before finally replying "Lie down so I can recognize you."

"When I got up I stuck to my plan -- stumbling forward and getting hit in the face." -Tex Cobb

"Every time I hear the name Joe Louis my nose starts to bleed." -Tommy Farr

Max Baer, when asked for his definition of fear: "Standing across the ring from Joe Louis and knowing he wants to go home early."