Fight of the Century (03:40)

FREE PREVIEW

Muhammad Ali expresses nervousness before his historic fight against Joe Frazier in 1971. He prays in the ring. See images of him training. (Credits)

Louisville Boxing Origins (03:46)

Cassius Clay's mother recalls his strength as a baby. Joe Martin encourages him to fight to confront a bicycle thief; Rocky Marciano inspires him to pursue a professional career. See footage of his 1960 fights, including the Olympic trials.

1960 Olympics (04:24)

Clay overcomes his fear of flying to compete in Rome. See footage of his fight against Ziggy Pietrzykowski for the light heavyweight championship. He reflects on experiencing racial discrimination in Louisville, even as a gold medalist.

Going Pro (02:58)

In an interview, Bill Faversham describes contracting Clay. Clay recalls approaching Angelo Dundee, who became his trainer in Miami. Dundee discusses his work ethic and passion for boxing.

Developing a Persona (03:47)

See footage of Clay's first professional fight against Tunney Hunsaker in October 1960. Clay uses humor to address racial discrimination in a television interview. He models his self-promotion style after Gorgeous George.

"The Gang's All Here" (03:34)

Clay recalls being knocked down by Henry Cooper in a 1963 fight. He and Sam Cooke sing "The Gang's All Here" on a British radio station. He records "I Am the Greatest" with Columbia Records.

Preparing to Fight Sonny Liston (03:43)

Clay and Liston exchange banter after signing a contract. Clay recites humorous poetry on a television show and predicts his victory.

Cassius Clay vs. Sonny Liston (06:31)

See footage of their 1964 fight. Despite eye issues, Clay wins in the seventh round.

Converting to Islam (03:03)

In an interview, Malcolm X believes Clay's faith and healthy lifestyle contributed to his victory over Liston. With Elijah Muhammad's support, Clay changes his name to Muhammad Ali.

Turning to Spirituality (02:50)

Ali is criticized for his involvement in the Nation of Islam, seen as a potential national security threat by the FBI. In a Chicago interview, he expresses weariness of boxing and support for African-American freedom. He takes guidance from God.

Pan African Movement (03:35)

Ali tours African countries promoting the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X is assassinated in 1965.

Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II (02:59)

See footage of the 1966 fight, during which Ali knocks out Liston in the first round. Johnson increases the Vietnam War draft.

Protesting the Vietnam War (02:53)

See footage of Ali fighting Floyd Patterson. African-American soldiers voice their support for Ali's refusal to join the draft while Jackie Robinson criticizes him.

Muhammad Ali vs. Ernie Terrell (04:33)

Ali calls Terrell an "uncle Tom" for referring to him as Cassius Clay; they nearly start fighting. Ali later says the altercation was not a publicity stunt. See footage of their 1967 fight.

Civil Rights Involvement (05:57)

Ali is sentenced to five years in jail for refusing the draft on religious grounds; his championship title is revoked. He and Dr. King find common ground. After King's assassination, Ali speaks at university campuses across the U.S.

World Heavyweight Championship (02:27)

Ali sues New York State to regain his ring license. Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis, and Joe Frazier fight for Ali's title; Frazier wants to face Ali. In 1970, Ali's license is reinstated.

Returning to the Ring (03:43)

Ali has six weeks to prepare for a fight after a three year absence. See him fight Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena in 1970.

Preparing to Retake the Heavyweight Championship (05:11)

Ali trains for his fight with Frazier and shares his ring strategies. Frazier prepares for the fight as he would any other. Both are confident of victory.

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier I (11:00)

Celebrities attend the 1971 fight between heavyweight champions. Hear Ali's commentary during the fight. Frazier is declared the winner after 15 rounds; Ali vows to beat him in their next fight.

Credits: Muhammad Ali: Part I (02:12)

Credits: Muhammad Ali: Part I