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Muhammad Ali

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Bigger than Boxing. Larger than Life. Muhammad Ali, A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon. Photo of Ali
Programming

Who was The Greatest and how did he use physical force and a charismatic personality to become an American icon? This inspiring film provides answers as it delves deeper into the life of Muhammad Ali than ever before. The four episodes are repeated each night, plus rebroadcasts in the “overnight” hours.

Ken Burns examines the life of an American icon in, Muhammad Ali a new four-part documentary series debuting September 19, 7 p.m., on WTVP HD 47.1. Sarah Burns and David McMahon co-write and co-direct with Burns.


Each Installment in the series will air back-to-back on September 19, 20, 21, 22.

 

POWER, SPEED, WIT AND CHARM
A three-time heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali captivated fans around the world with a combination of speed, agility and power in the ring, and his charm, wit and outspokenness outside of it. He challenged Americans’ racial prejudices, religious biases and notions about the role of celebrities and athletes in our society.


THE GREATEST
Drawing from archival footage and photographs, contemporary music, and the insights of family and friends, journalists and others, Muhammad Ali is a sweeping portrait of a man who called himself The Greatest. Learn why many agree with this self-assessment.

 

Muhammad Ali
Official Trailer
0:30
Published:
Expires: 2022-01-26
Rating: NR

Muhammad Ali brings to life the boxing champion who became an inspiration across the globe

MUHAMMAD ALI
ROUND 1, THE GREATEST (1942-1964)
SEPTEMBER 19, 7 AND 9:15 PM 

Boxer Cassius Clay rises up the amateur ranks to win gold at the 1960 Olympics. He turns professional, sharpening his boxing skills and honing his genius for self-promotion. In 1964, he upsets Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champion.

Airdates:

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Sun, 09/19/2021 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Sun, 09/19/2021 @ 9:15 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 09/20/2021 @ 12:30 AM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 09/21/2021 @ 2:00 AM

 

MUHAMMAD ALI
ROUND 2, WHAT’S MY NAME (1964-1970) 
SEPTEMBER 20, 7 AND 9 PM

Cassius Clay publicly joins the Nation of Islam and takes the name Muhammad Ali. When he refuses induction into the Army, he is stripped of his title and forced into exile. After three years, he returns to the ring, but he's lost a step.

Airdates:

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 09/20/2021 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 09/20/2021 @ 9:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 09/21/2021 @ 12:00 AM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 09/22/2021 @ 2:00 AM

MUHAMMAD ALI
ROUND 3, THE RIVALRY (1970-1974) 
SEPTEMBER 21, 7 AND 9 PM 

Muhammad Ali battles his fiercest rival, Joe Frazier, and the U.S. government, as he attempts to regain the heavyweight title. He first loses to and then defeats Frazier, but to become champion again, he will have to beat George Foreman.

Airdates:

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 09/21/2021 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 09/21/2021 @ 9:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 09/22/2021 @ 12:00 AM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 09/23/2021 @ 2:00 AM

MUHAMMAD ALI
ROUND 4, THE SPELL REMAINS (1974-2016) 
SEPTEMBER 22, 7 AND 9 PM

Muhammad Ali shocks the world by defeating George Foreman, winning back the heavyweight title and becoming the most famous man on earth. After retiring in 1981, he travels the world spreading his Islamic faith, and becomes a symbol of peace and hope.

Airdates:

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 09/22/2021 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 09/22/2021 @ 9:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 09/23/2021 @ 12:00 AM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Fri, 09/24/2021 @ 2:00 AM

 Video Extras

Muhammad Ali
Ali On The World's Stage
1:10:06
Published:
Rating: NR

A Q&A with Ken Burns, Lonnae O’Neal (moderator), Janet Evans, and Todd Boyd.

Muhammad Ali
Ali the Man
1:04:43
Published:

A Q&A with Ken Burns, Jesse Washington (moderator), Rasheda Ali Walsh, and Howard Bryant.