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Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

★ 8.1/10•2021•2h 0m•TV-14•Documentary
Similars

Bigger than boxing. Larger than life.

Muhammad Ali brings to life the iconic heavyweight boxing champion who became an inspiration to people everywhere.

Sarah Burns · Director

David McMahon · Director

Ken Burns · Writer

David McMahon · Writer

StatusEnded
Runtime2h 0m
LanguageEN
First Air DateSep 19, 2021

Episodes

Episode 1 - Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)E1129m

Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)

Cassius Clay rises from amateur boxer to 1960 Olympic gold medal winner. He turns professional and moves to Miami, sharpening his boxing skills and honing his genius for self-promotion. Meanwhile, he quietly joins the Nation of Islam and becomes a confidant of Malcolm X. In 1964, he shocks the world by upsetting the heavily favored Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight championship.

Sep 19, 2021

Episode 2 - Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970)E2115m

Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970)

Cassius Clay joins the Nation of Islam and adopts the name Muhammad Ali. For three years, Ali dominates the heavyweight ranks but in 1967, he refuses induction into the U.S. Army and becomes one of the most reviled men in America. Ali is stripped of his title, convicted of draft evasion and forced into exile. In 1970, he triumphantly returns to the ring, but it's clear that he has lost a step.

Sep 20, 2021

Episode 3 - Round Three: The Rivalry (1970-1974)E3110m

Round Three: The Rivalry (1970-1974)

Muhammad Ali faces Joe Frazier in the "Fight of the Century." Though he loses, Ali becomes a hero. The Supreme Court overturns Ali's conviction, validating his refusal to serve in the war in Vietnam and in 1974, Ali outduels Frazier, his greatest rival, in their highly anticipated rematch. But to complete his comeback, he must face the fearsome George Foreman.

Sep 21, 2021

Episode 4 - Round Four: The Spell Remains (1974-2016)E4100m

Round Four: The Spell Remains (1974-2016)

Muhammad Ali shocks the world when he defeats George Foreman in Zaire, winning back the heavyweight title and becoming the most famous man on earth. He faces Joe Frazier in the brutal "Thrilla in Manila," and boxes for five more years. He is diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984 but continues to travel the world spreading his Islamic faith, and becomes a symbol of peace and hope.

Sep 22, 2021

Actors

Keith David

Keith David

Narrator (voice)

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

Self (archive footage)

Malcolm X

Malcolm X

Self (archive footage)

Rahman Ali

Self

Hana Ali

Self

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Self

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