In Their Own Words

The film follows Ali's rise from the Columbia Gym in Louisville to international fame, as he transcended his great athletic achievements to become one of the most influential Americans of his time: how this once polarizing figure ultimately became a beloved and honored national hero. Key events include Ali's stunning Islamic conversion and name change, his dramatic stand against the Vietnam-era draft, his 3-year exile from the ring, his legendary comeback fights, his battle with Parkinson's disease, and his inspirational reemergence on the world stage at the Atlanta Olympics.

Among those interviewed are Ali's daughters Laila and Maryum Ali, NFL great Jim Brown, boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, rappers and actors L.L. Cool J and Common, boxing promoter Bob Arum, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Lloyd Price, and biographer Thomas Hauser.