Muhammad Ali

2021 - 2021

Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)

19th September 2021

Episode 1

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.

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

20th September 2021

Episode 2

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.

Round Three: The Rivalry (1970-1974)

21st September 2021

Episode 3

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.

Round Four: The Spell Remains (1974-2016)

22nd September 2021

Episode 4

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.

Top Cast

Keith David•Muhammad Ali•Malcolm X

Director

Sarah Burns

Writer

Ken Burns

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

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Full Cast

Keith David Image

Keith David

Narrator (voice)

Muhammad Ali Image

Muhammad Ali

Self (archive footage)

Malcolm X Image

Malcolm X

Self (archive footage)

Rahman Ali Image

Rahman Ali

Self

Hana Ali Image

Hana Ali

Self

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Image

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Self

Full Crew

Ira Spiegel

Sound Editor

Matt Rigby

Dialogue Editor

Marlena Grzaslewicz

Dialogue Editor

Kristin Catuogno

ADR Recordist

Shyala Jayasinghe

Assistant Editor

Woody Richman

Editor

Aljernon Tunsil

Editor

Akia Thorpe

Production Supervisor

K.A. Miille

Editor

Timothy McAleer

Co-Producer

Stephanie Jenkins

Producer

Elizabeth Niles

Finishing Producer

Franny Bernstein

Assistant Editor

Emily Gilmer

Post Production Coordinator

Mark DeSimone Image

Mark DeSimone

ADR Mixer

Joe Siegal

Associate Producer

Sarah Burns

Director

David McMahon

Director

David McMahon

Producer

Ted Raviv

Editor

Tom Fleischman

Sound Mixer

Sarah Burns Image

Sarah Burns

Producer

Gabrielle Berbey

Assistant Editor

Samali Bikangaga

Assistant Editor

Jahlil Beats

Music

Ken Burns Image

Ken Burns

Writer

Buddy Squires Image

Buddy Squires

Cinematography

Genell Banks

Makeup Artist

Scott Harber

Sound Mixer

Wayne Mann

Drone Pilot

Sarah Burns Image

Sarah Burns

Writer

David McMahon

Writer

Ken Burns Image

Ken Burns

Executive Producer

Ken Burns Image

Ken Burns

Director

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