I was drawn to boxing because I got beat up as a kid. I was the kid with the piano books in a New York neighbourhood.

I grew up in New York.

New York is definitely ready for the word of God.

New York can be an intimidating place if you let it. I don't know if I could have done this four years ago. I don't think I was tough enough to handle it. But I've been through a lot, and I know I can handle myself here. It's not like I got traded here and didn't want to come. I came here because I wanted to come here.

Two things I really wanted to be: a stand-up comic or a New York Yankee - or a really funny New York Yankee.

It may simply be that New York is a state where there's more agreement that we're responsible for one another to some degree, and that may not be so strongly felt in other parts of the country.