Muhammad Ali is arguably the most iconic figure in the history of sports. His name is synonymous with the phrase, “The Greatest of All-Time.” Almost 40 years since his retirement, he is still regarded as the best boxer to ever lace up the gloves. In fact, his legend transcends the realm of sports as he became a hero of the counterculture because of his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War. Now a new documentary will premiere on HBO will tell another side of Ali’s life story.
What’s My Name | Muhammad Ali, explores the extraordinary life and career one of Ali. The film debuts Tuesday, May 14 at 8 PM and is being produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Southpaw, The Magnificent Seven, The Equalizer franchise) with LeBron James and Maverick Carter serving as executive producers, What’s My Name | Muhammad Ali examines Ali’s challenges, confrontations, comebacks and triumphs through recordings of his own voice. The two-part documentary paints an intimate portrait of a man who was a beacon of hope for oppressed people around the world and, in his later years, was recognized as a global citizen and a symbol of humanity and understanding.
“Muhammad Ali transcended sports in a way the world had never seen before,” says executive producer LeBron James. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to tell his incredible and important story for the coming generations. He showed us all the courage and conviction it takes to stand up for what you believe in. He changed forever what we expect a champion to be, and I’m grateful that SpringHill gets to be a part of continuing his legacy.”
“Muhammad Ali had a deep impact on me from an early age,” observes Antoine Fuqua. “Being given the opportunity to tell his story, both inside and outside the ring, is a privilege and a dream come true.”
Here’s a preview of What’s My Name below:
