Ep 3: 1969 - The Super Fight

The Fight Of The Century - Ali v Frazier

As America prepares to put a man on the moon, Muhammad Ali is still banned from boxing and needs to find other sources of income.

One unusual offer of cash comes from producer Murray Woroner and his idea for a 'Super Fight' between Ali and heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano. The idea fits perfectly into the age of space travel.

Woroner will use a 'super computer', stacks of information and statistics to work out who would win in a fight between Ali and the long retired Marciano, a fighter who finished with an unblemished record of 49-0. Once the computer has come up with result, the plan is for Ali and Marciano to recreate the event for a film that will be released across the globe. But who will win?

Meanwhile, Joe Frazier is attempting to build his reputation as the man to beat with more fights in '69. But with no prospect of taking on Ali, can he be seen as the real champion? Everywhere Joe turns Ali seems to be there, and now it's becoming a problem.

With words, music, archive and drama, legendary Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist Nas takes you on the journey to 'The Fight of The Century - Ali v Frazier'

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Credits:

Presenter - Nas Producer - Mark Sharman Writer - Ayad Andrews Drama Producer - Owen Lewis Drama Recording - Jerry O’Riordan Sound Design - Micky Curling Original Music - Owen Parker Production Assistant - Gabby Morris and Sera Baker Drama Assistant - Maia Henderson Casting Director - Emma Hearn Executive Producer - Phil Critchlow Executive Producer - Nas

ACTORS

Trevor Dion Nicholas Aaron Pierre David Menkin Courtney Winston Tomini Babs Evlyne Ovedokun Jennifer Armour Earl R Perkins Clinton Liberty Philip Desmeules Jose Palma Finbar Lynch

A TBI Media Production for BBC Sounds.