Vitali Klitschko Quotes

The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to those who see it coming and jump aside.

If you don't throw it, they can't hit it.

It's less about the physical training, in the end, than it is about the mental preparation: boxing is a chess game. You have to be skilled enough and have trained hard enough to know how many different ways you can counterattack in any situation, at any moment.

People automatically think that because you attack, you can't defend. Not true.

I like to take the floor apart mentally. I like to visualize an opponent going for you.

That's the secret, hit without getting hit.

I outwit them, and then I outhit them

Sports formed me. I was always decently skilled but lacked size, so I had to resort to using my skill versus my power. I strategically play golf because that's all I can do. It's the same on the basketball court. I try to get open and shoot it. Or I use the open space on the soccer field.

I keep my eyes clear and I hit 'em where they ain't.

I'd take precision any day over power; as far as being tactical you know you have to see what's going on in there and also understand that for every punch that you or your opponent throws there's always a counter shot or two which you have to be ready to fire or defend.

Speed is often confused with insight. When I start running earlier than the others, I appear faster.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

Every action is seen to fall into one of three main categories, guarding, hitting, or moving. Here, then, are the elements of combat, whether in war or pugilism.

Fencing is a game of living chess, a match where reflexes only work in combination with intent, and mind and body must work together at every moment.

You have got to not get hit. You could be the best puncher in the world, but if you're going to keep constantly taking punches you're going to lose your heart. Once you learn how to miss the punches and then you start to punch them, you become an all-around fighter.

You have to surprise opponents, keep them guessing. Doing the same thing over and over again without variation will not work.

You never show what you are going to do; you always do what the opponent doesn't expect.

I've been double-teamed my whole life. I know when a double team's coming. I know what side the guy's coming from. I know how to dribble out of it.

It's not just fleet of foot or speed. It's about who gets caught and gets knocked out.

Boxing is like chess. You encourage your opponent to make mistakes so you can capitalise on it. People think you get in the ring and see the red mist, but it's not about aggression. Avoiding getting knocked out is tactical.

There are always a couple of ways you envision fights going; you always envision a win and a great finish.

Defense is natural. Defense is a reaction. Offense - you've gotta do the moves; you've gotta get it down pat.

Isn't the best defense always a good attack?

How do you beat Bobby Fischer? You play him at any game but chess. I try to stay in games where I have an edge.

If your enemy offers you two targets, strike at a third.