It is still hard to believe that the greatest boxing hero, who was vilified at the height of his career has passed away. The shock has not fully set in for those of us who follow the fight game or those who were a part of the civil rights movement. Muhammad Ali was the greatest champion in and out of the ring, that is something that will never be surpassed in any combat sport.
In honor of the man who shook up the world, Sony Movie Channel will air throughout the month of June (which happens to be the month that Ramadan lands this year) the documentary, The Greatest based on Ali’s own autobiography. Listed below is the full press release regarding the most charismatic fighter of the 20th Century.
CULVER CITY, CA – Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – Step into the ring with Sony Movie Channel, as the network celebrates the tremendous life and legacy of boxing icon Muhammad Ali with a special presentation of his 1977 biopic THE GREATEST. The film, which is based on Ali’s autobiography THE GREATEST: MY OWN STORY, will air this Sunday, June 12, at 7 p.m. ET and 8:45 p.m. ET, and again on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19 at 12:10 p.m. ET and then Saturday, June 25 at 1:25 p.m. ET. Ali passed away on June 3. He was 74 years old.
THE GREATEST stars Ali as himself, in his feature film debut, and details some of the most defining moments in his life—from his incredible gold medal Olympic performance at the age of 18, to his quest for the heavyweight championship under the tutelage of trainer Angelo Dundee (portrayed by Oscar®-winner Ernest Borgnine), as well as his victory over Joe Frazier in the fabled “Thrilla In Manila;” his conversion to Islam; and his three-and-a-half year court battle to retain the title that was stripped from him, after he refused to serve in the army on the grounds that it violated his religious beliefs.
THE GREATEST also stars Robert Duvall, Ben Johnson, and James Earl Jones as Malcolm X, and uses actual fight footage to recreate some of Ali’s most classic battles, including the infamous “Rumble In The Jungle” with George Foreman, and his legendary bouts with Sonny Liston, among others. The film’s title track, “The Greatest Love Of All,” was originally written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed, and recorded by GRAMMY®-winning singer George Benson, before becoming a substantial hit for R&B superstar Whitney Houston in 1985.
“This special tribute is the perfect way for fans to remember one of the most celebrated, controversial, and influential sports figures of all-time,” said Jeff Meier, SVP of Programming, Sony Movie Channel. “Muhammad Ali truly changed the face of boxing forever, and left an indelible mark on society as an athlete, actor, activist, and champion. SMC is proud to be able to honor this great man with this unforgettable film.”
For a complete schedule of films and times, visit www.Sonymoviechannel.com/schedule.
In addition to airing this film on the dates noted above, the movie mentioned is scheduled for further broadcasts throughout the month. (See listings for further details.)
