Round 1: I Am the Greatest

Lyrics

[Intro: Announcer] And now, ladies and gentlemen: from Louisville, Kentucky... wearing black tie, Mr. Cassius Marcellus Clay. For his first reading, Mr. Cassius will honor us with a recitation of his classic poem, "I Am the Greatest". [Muhammad Ali] "I Am the Greatest", by Cassius Clay. This is the legend of Cassius Clay The most beautiful fighter in the world today He talks a great deal and brags indeed-y Of a muscular punch that's incredible and speedy The fistic world was dull and weary With a champ like Liston things had to be dreary Then someone with color, someone with dash Brought fight fans a-runnin' with cash This brash young boxer is something to see And thе heavyweight championship is his destiny This kid fights grеat, he's got speed and endurance But if you sign to fight him, increase your insurance This kid's got a left, this kid's got a right If he hits you once, you're asleep for the night And as you lay on the floor while the ref counts ten You pray that you won't have to fight me again For I am the man this poem is about The next champ of the world, there is no doubt This I predict, and I know the score I'll be champ of the world in '64 When I say three, they go in the third So don't bet against me, I'm a man of my word If Cassius says a cow can lay an egg Don't ask how, grease that skillet! He is the greatest! Yes, I'm the man this poem is about I'll be champ of the world, there isn't a doubt Here I predict Mr. Liston's dismemberment I'll hit him so hard, he'll wonder where October and November went When I say "two", there's never a third Betting against me is completely absurd When Cassius says a mouse can outrun a horse Don't ask how, put your money where your mouse is! I am the greatest! [Applause]