“Champions don’t become champions in the ring—they are merely recognized there” is a saying that has been printed on many images. American author, speaker and pastor John C. Maxwell has used the saying and is frequently credited for it, but he tweeted “Champions don’t become champions in the ring - they are merely recognized there. -Unknown” on October 3, 2009.
 
“Champions do not become champions in the ring. They are merely recognized in the ring. Their becoming, happens in their daily routine” was printed in the book The One-Minute Devotional (1992) by Mike Murdock. “Champions aren’t made in the ring, they are merely recognized there. What you cheat on in the early light of morning will show up in the ring under the bright lights. —JOE FRAZIER” was printed in the book Buy It, Rent It, Profit!: Make Money as a Landlord in ANY Real Estate Market (2009) by Bryan M. Chavis. American professional boxer Joe Frazier (1944-2011) possibly said this, but earlier citations have not been located.
 
The saying means that a lot of routine hard work goes into making a champion, much more than the public sees when he or she finally does become champion. “Champions aren’t made overnight”—a saying that dates to at least the 1940s—is a similar sports expression. 
 
     
Google Books
The One-Minute Devotional
By Mike Murdock
Tulsa, OK: Honor Books)
1992
Pg. 53:
Champions do not become champions in the ring. They are merely recognized in the ring. Their becoming, happens in their daily routine.
 
Google Groups: oc.culture.hmong
NEXT GENERATION of LEADERS
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3/22/00
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Just like an old saying, “Champions don’t become champions in the ring - they are merely recognised them”.  So true.
 
31 August 2000, Kinder (LA) Courier News, pg. 5A, col. 1 ad:
Champions do not become champions in the ring. They are merely recognized in the ring.
(...)
AGAPE LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH
 
Google Books
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership:
Follow Them and People Will Follow You
By John C. Maxwell
Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
2007 (Originally published in 1998)
Pg. 30:
FIGHTING YOUR WAY UP
There is an old saying: champions don’t become champions in the ring— they are merely recognized there. That’s true. If you want to see where someone develops into a champion, look at his daily routine.
   
Twitter
Shannon Paul
@ShannonPaul
Champions don’t become champions in the ring. They’re merely recognized there. -Josh Linkner
7:12 PM - 18 Jun 2008
     
Google Books
Buy It, Rent It, Profit!:
Make Money as a Landlord in ANY Real Estate Market
By Bryan M. Chavis
New York, NY: Fireside
2009
Pg. 58:
Champions aren’t made in the ring, they are merely recognized there. What you cheat on in the early light of morning will show up in the ring under the bright lights. —JOE FRAZIER
 
Twitter
Grant Clough
@granttclough
“Champions don’t become champions in the field - they are merely recognized there.” - Bob Costas.  Can’t wait for the Tourney to start.
12:20 PM - 18 Mar 2009
 
Twitter
John C Maxwell
@JohnCMaxwell
Champions don’t become champions in the ring - they are merely recognized there. -Unknown
8:01 AM - 5 Oct 2009
     
Facebook
RossTraining.com (Ross Enamait)
May 5, 2017 ·
“Champions aren’t made in the ring, they are merely recognized there. What you cheat on in the early light of morning will show up in the ring under the bright lights.” - Joe Frazier
 
Twitter
The Last Round
@thelastround12
“Champions aren’t made in the ring, they are merely recognized there. What you cheat on in the early light of morning will show up in the ring under the bright lights.”
— Joe Frazier
#FridayThoughts
#FridayFeeling
#FridayMotivation
#FridayMorning
#Boxing
#Boxeo
2:12 PM - 11 Jan 2019