And a powerful, huge man loomed up at once,
Panopeus’ son Epeus, the famous boxing champion.
He clamped a hand on the draft mule and shouted,
"Step right up and get it – whoever wants that cup!
This mule is mine, I tell you. No Achaean in sight
will knock me out and take her – I am the greatest!
So what if I’m not a world-class man of war?
How can a man be first in all events?
I warn you, soldiers – so help me it’s the truth –
I’ll crush you with body-blows, I’ll crack your ribs to splinters!
You keep your family mourners near to cart you off –
once my fists have worked you down to pulp!"
– Homer
The Iliad, Book 23, lines 741-752. In the boxing match at the sports, the Greeks even have their own version of Muhammad Ali! The powerful Epeus declares that "I am the greatest" even before the match begins. And he lives up to his boast, landing the prize with a knockout blow to his opponent!