Facing Ali (2009)

Ten of Muhammad Ali's former rivals pay tribute to the three-time world heavyweight champion.

Director:

Pete McCormack

Stars:

George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, George Foreman

6 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
George Chuvalo	...	Himself
Henry Cooper	...	Himself (as Sir Henry Cooper)
George Foreman	...	Himself
Joe Frazier	...	Himself
Larry Holmes	...	Himself
Ron Lyle	...	Himself
Ken Norton	...	Himself
Earnie Shavers	...	Himself
Leon Spinks	...	Himself
Ernie Terrell	...	Himself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Muhammad Ali	...	Himself (archive footage)
Ringo Bonavena	...	Himself (archive footage) (as Bonavena)
Mike DeJohn	...	Himself (archive footage)
Jimmy Ellis	...	Himself (archive footage) (as Ellis)
Joe Louis	...	Himself - World Heavyweight Champion, 1937-49 (archive footage)

Storyline

The life and career of Muhammad Ali (1942- ) as seen chronologically in archival footage: Ali as a fighter, a personality, a political lightening rod, and a man. Boxers who fought him describe what led up to major fights and the matches themselves; they also offer personal revelations about their own lives: George Chuvalo's family losses, George Foreman's conversion, Ken Norton's gratitude, Ron Lyle's teaching, Earnie Shaver's encounter with the Klan, and Joe Frazier's good humor pack their own punch. The fighters talk about Ali's quickness, cunning, and recuperative powers - and how fighting him changed their lives.

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Plot Keywords:

muhammad ali | joe frazier | conversion | archival footage | tribute | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [jp]

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 December 2010 (Singapore)

Also Known As:

Facing Ali: Encontros e Desencontros

Company Credits

Production Co:

Network Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Ron Lyle: Joe Frazier had all the fighters' respect in the Top 10. But anybody that ever saw him fight, and understands the game of boxing, will tip their hat to Mr. Joe Frazier.

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Connections

Referenced in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Episode #8.35 (2009)

User Reviews

A Documentary of the professional career of Muhammad Ali

FACING ALI is a fantastic documentary that is a befitting tribute to the man who is undeniably "The Greatest", Muhammad Ali. I absolutely loved this "career biography" that is told by some of his most significant former opponents like Joe Frazier and George Foreman. It is easy to see why Ali is the Greatest Fighter of all time. The film has a well blended combination of historical footage and contemporary interviews beginning with his early professional fights through his last fight with Larry Holmes. It recalls his conversion from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali and how he stood by his principles. We also get some insight into the men who fought him as they recount some of their own history. But mostly it is an affectionate tribute to great fighter and a great man.