Radio Ayad Andrews Extract from Episode Four of The Fight of the Century – Ali v Frazier
By 1970, Joe Frazier is undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion. Muhammad Ali is still barred from professional boxing and under threat of jail. But, while his legal team are exploring ways to circumvent the ban, Ali does whatever he can to make money, including signing a deal to write his autobiography. Frazier and Ali have an odd relationship at this stage – not quite friends (they have had tense run-ins outside the ring), they are still able to share time together, despite Ali’s constant ribbing of Joe. Note – Denise is Joe’s on-off girlfriend, Belinda is Ali’s wife. Narrator: August 1970, Philadelphia. And here’s Ali, waiting on a ride to New York from the one person you’d least expect… ext. philadelphia street
– day
A woman calls out to Ali. Elderly woman:
We’re all praying for you, Mr Ali.
Ali:
That’s mighty kind of you, ma’am, I appreciate it.
Young woman 1: Hey champ! Go get’ em! Young woman 2: Ain’t he cute. 170
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