Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali Refuses the Vietnam War Draft

Prior to his match against Foley, Ali received news he had been drafted to fight in Vietnam. When Ali arrived to be inducted in the United States Armed Forces, however, he refused, citing his religion forbade him from serving. The cost for his refusal would prove to be drastic: the stripping of his heavyweight title, a suspension from boxing, a $10,000 fine, and a five-year prison sentence.

Muhammad Ali Refuses the Vietnam War Draft

6m 15s

  • Round Four: The Spell Remains (1974-2016): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Round Four: The Spell Remains (1974-2016)

    S1 E4 - 1h 39m

    Muhammad Ali shocks the world by defeating George Foreman, winning back the heavyweight title and becoming the most famous man on earth. After retiring in 1981, he travels the world spreading his Islamic faith, and becomes a symbol of peace and hope.

  • Round Three: The Rivalry (1970 - 1974): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Round Three: The Rivalry (1970 - 1974)

    S1 E3 - 1h 50m

    Muhammad Ali battles his fiercest rival, Joe Frazier, and the U.S. government, as he attempts to regain the heavyweight title. He first loses to and then defeats Frazier, but to become champion again, he will have to beat George Foreman.

  • Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970)

    S1 E2 - 1h 54m

    Cassius Clay publicly joins the Nation of Islam and takes the name Muhammad Ali. When he refuses induction into the Army, he is stripped of his title and forced into exile. After three years he returns to the ring, but he’s lost a step.

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