“Everyone has a plan until they’ve been hit.” – Joe Louis

“Of all the hazards, fear is the worst.” – Sam Snead

“People only do their best at things they truly enjoy.” – Jack Nicklaus

“Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer.” – Ted Williams

It’s funny because it’s true.

Aug. 17, 1938 – Henry Armstrong is the first boxer to hold titles in three weight classes at the same time

A world boxing champion, Henry Armstrong is universally regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time by many boxing critics and fellow professionals. In 2007, The Ring ranked Armstrong as the second-greatest fighter of the last 80 years. Bert Sugar also ranked Armstrong as the second-greatest fighter of all time.

He was a boxer who not only was a member of the exclusive group of fighters that have won boxing championships in three or more different divisions (at a time when there were only 8 universally recognized World Titles), but also has the distinction of being the only boxer to hold three world championships (lightweight, welterweight and featherweight) at the same time. He also defended the Welterweight Championship more times than any other fighter.

July 19, 1996 – Ali lit the opening flame at Summer Olympics

Former U.S. boxing gold medalist, Muhammad Ali was also given a replacement gold medal for his boxing victory at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Ali had supposedly thrown his previous gold medal into the Ohio River after being refused entry into a restaurant. The United States would dominate the medal count, winning 44 gold medals (Russia was second with 26) and 101 total medals, beating second place Germany who finished with 65. However, it was the Canadians who stole the show in the two biggest events of the Olympics.

The men’s 100-meter race, which is widely considered the main event at any Summer Olympics, was won by Donovan Bailey in a world record time of 9.84 seconds. Bailey would also lead Canada to gold in the men’s 4 x 100 meter relay.

#‎MJMondays‬

Michael Jordan and Craig Ehlo star in ‘The Shot.’

Jim Durham was calling the game on the Chicago Bulls Radio Network and narrated what happened next:

“The inbounds pass comes in to Jordan. Here’s Michael at the foul line, the shot on Ehlo…GOOD! THE BULLS WIN IT! THEY WIN IT! They upset the Cleveland Cavaliers! Michael Jordan hits it at the foul line! 101–100! 20,273 in stunned silence here in the Coliseum. Michael Jordan with 44 points in a game hit the shot over Craig Ehlo. What tremendous heroics we have had in Game 5. From both teams, what a spectacular series this has been. In my days in the NBA, 16 years, this is the greatest series I’ve ever seen!”

“Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” – Bruce Lee

June 20, 1967 – Muhammad Ali was convicted of refusing to enter into the U.S. armed services

After only 21 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Muhammad Ali guilty. He was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000 and banned from boxing for three years. After a Court of Appeals upheld the conviction, the case went to the U.S. Supreme Court.

During this time, the public began turning against the war and support for Ali began to grow. Ali supported himself by speaking at colleges and universities across the country, where opposition to the war was especially strong. Ali returned to the ring on October 26, 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in the third round.

“If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.” – Bruce Lee