Search - Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami on DVD

Before He Was King

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 08/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After the 1960 Summer Olympics, Cassius Clay was a heralded boxing gold medalist embarking on a professional career in Miami, Florida.

In February 1964, the sports world witnessed Clay's incredible victory in Miami Beach over feared champion Sonny Liston and the world witnessed the birth of an icon who transcended the "sweet science," Muhammad Ali.

This PBS documentary chronicles an oftentimes overlooked period in the development of Clay the fighter and Ali the man during his years in the Fifth Avenue Gym and living in Miami's Overtown district, a thriving black community which carried the moniker, "Harlem south."

With special focus on legendary trainer Angelo Dundee and "The Fight Doctor," Dr. Ferdie Pacheco, the development of the extraordinary talents is shown like never before. Interviews with Overtown residents, neighbors and media members provides great insight in the growing social and political awareness of an athlete who had special focus in using his athletic prowess for a greater good.

Ali biographer Thomas Hauser and journalist David Remnick utilize a historical context to bring many elements of this fascinating story together.

Before he became king, a foundation was set in Miami. The legend comes to life like never before in this brilliant documentary.

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