Rated R for language and boxing
Starring George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ron Lyle, Ken Norton, Earnie Shaver, Leon Spinks, Ernie Terrell
Directed by Pete McCormack
The Story:
Arguably the greatest boxer of all time. Even non-boxing fans know who Muhammad Ali is. Now, 10 of Ali's fiercest rivals sit down and recount what it was like to go toe to toe with the champ. Each of them has a unique perspective. Whether they won or lost... whether they faced him as a newbie or a seasoned veteran, one thing remains the same from all of them.
Respect.
They all loved fighting him, and he brought out the best in each of them.
Given the timeframe, this documentary also tackles each fight in chronological order and gives some historical perspective on the civil rights movement that was gaining momentum as Ali's rise to fame began taking off.
Naturally, as the documentary winds down and they close in on the twilight of Ali's career, most of the boxers agree, whether explicitly or implied, that Ali should have hung up the gloves sooner than he did.
As Ali is fighting Parkinson's, it's a touching tribute by his former foes to tell Ali's story, from their unique perspectives.
Final Grade: Solid B
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Once was good. Recommended, especially to any boxing fans.
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