There’s no question we’re living in a sort of golden age for sports documentaries, with ESPN producing incredible films every year and HBO and others (Showtime, PBS, Netflix) stepping up their game as well.
The latest
Ali-Frazier I makes for compelling subject subject matter not only because both fighters were all-time greats in their primes but also because of the social and political implications. This was Ali’s chance to reclaim his heavyweight title after being barred from the sport following his decision to boycott the military during the Vietnam War, and he was increasingly speaking out about race and religion (sometimes regrettably).
The documentary features a number of big names, both in and out of boxing. Ice-T will narrate and, per Spike, interviewees include Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, LL Cool J, Walt Frazier, Rosie Perez and more. Here’s a brief trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB7vVyJzRiY
Ali has been the subject of many documentaries over the years, including 1995’s acclaimed When We Were Kings and, more recently, I am Ali (2014) and The Trials of Muhammad Ali (2013).
Ali: Birth of The Greatest will air on Spike at 11:15 p.m. Friday, following a fight between middleweights Danny Jacobs and Sergio Mora.
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About Alex Putterman
Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.