Spike TV Presents Award-Winning Film 'Facing Ali'

Muhammad Ali's Top Opponents Share Personal Stories Of How Facing 'The Champ' Left An Indelible Mark On Their Lives

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 15 -- Spike TV presents the world television premiere of the award-winning documentary, "Facing Ali," Monday, February 15 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT). Produced by Derik Murray (Legends of Hockey), Network Entertainment and Lionsgate in association with Spike TV, the film is directed by Pete McCormack (Uganda Rising) and delves into the fascinating life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in and out of the ring through the eyes of those who fought him.

"Facing Ali" showcases ten of Muhammad Ali's acclaimed rivals, from Joe Frazier to George Foreman, paying tribute to perhaps the world's most beloved and inspiring athlete. Three-time world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali defeated almost every top fighter of the golden age of boxing and symbolized the sport for generations of fans. Now, many of his legendary opponents share the life-changing experience of facing Ali in the ring, and the profound lasting effect it had on their lives.

From the moment he captured the gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics, the fighter who first came to prominence as Cassius Clay electrified the world and transformed the sport. Charismatic, articulate, and often controversial, he became an influential figure of the burgeoning civil rights movement and a hero to millions around the world. Along with his prodigious talent, Ali was a master showman and a brilliant strategist as he often was so successful in getting inside his opponents' head.

With exclusive interviews and vintage footage, "Facing Ali" recreates his most unforgettable rivalries, and recounts his triumphs, tragedies and unstoppable spirit.

Appearances in "Facing Ali" include Muhammad Ali, George Chuvalo, Sir Henry Cooper, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ron Lyle, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, and Ernie Terrell.

"Facing Ali" first appeared in theaters in the summer of 2009 and was recently named one of the 15 films in the Documentary Feature category for the upcoming 82nd Academy Awards�. It also won the award for Most Popular Film in the Documentary category at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

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