"I think Ali was a fan of mine, even though he never said it. A lot of fighters thought I was pretty good. Nobody every really spoke different on that. But a lot of fighters thought I was good so"

Larry Holmes is expressing his belief that even though Muhammad Ali never ever stated it, he was a fan of his. He thinks that numerous fighters thought he was an excellent fighter, which nobody ever spoke in a different way about it. He is proud of the regard he has earned from his peers, and is positive in his own abilities as a fighter. He is likewise humbled by the truth that somebody as great as Muhammad Ali might have been a fan of his. This quote shows Larry Holmes' humbleness and self-confidence in his own abilities, and his respect for the viewpoint of his peers. It also reveals his appreciation for Muhammad Ali, and his belief that Ali was a fan of his.