Ep 4: 1970 - Georgia on my mind

The Fight Of The Century - Ali v Frazier

With the spectre of a prison sentence hanging over Muhammad Ali due to his refusal to be drafted, politicians and businessmen manoeuvre behind the scenes to try and secure him a boxing license before he faces his day in court.

Meanwhile Joe Frazier comes up against his old foe Jimmy Ellis as he seeks to answer his critics and become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. However, Joe doesn't just have to worry about Jimmy Ellis, he's got other problems as Ali moves his growing family into Joe's home city of Philadelphia, something that annoys Frazier who can't stand Ali's so called 'skylarking'.

Away from boxing, the Vietnam War continues to rage with no end in sight. American troops are sent into neighbouring Cambodia, a tactic which according to President Richard Nixon will help 'win the peace we desire'. However, the war remains a divisive issue at home with demonstrations across the country and one such protest at Kent State University ends with tragic consequences.

Grammy award-winning rapper Nas takes you back to 1970 as he uses words, music, archive, drama and a little imagination to tell the incredible story of The Fight of the Century - Ali v Frazier. A story that is more than just boxing.

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Credits:

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

ACTORS

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

A TBI Media Production for BBC Sounds.