SPIKE TV TO TELECAST "ROOTS OF FIGHT PRESENTS: ALI: BIRTH OF THE GREATEST"

New Original Documentary On The Fight Of The Century- Ali-Frazier I

Narrated By Ice T

Premieres Friday, September 9 At 11:15pm ET/PT

New York, NY, September 7, 2016 - It was the biggest fight in boxing history - a star-studded, must-see live event unlike any other before or since. The first bout in the epic trilogy of fights between boxing immortals Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier took place on March 8, 1971 from Madison Square Garden in New York City with a backdrop steeped in politics, race relations, money, power, celebrity and athletic greatness. Spike TV takes a look back at this historical, unforgettable night in "Roots of Fight Presents: Ali: Birth of The Greatest."

The original, one-hour documentary, narrated by Ice T, premieres on Spike Friday, September 9 at 11:15pm ET/PT directly following LIVE coverage of the highly-anticipated rematch between middleweights Danny Jacobs vs. Sergio Mora.

Muhammad Ali, a personality larger than life, has left behind an unparalleled legacy as a sportsman, humanitarian, and civil rights crusader. It was a legacy first built by his revolutionary actions in the 1960's that divided an already fragmented public. Ali's improbable transformation took him from being the most polarizing figure in the history of sports to being the most socially significant athlete of all time - a transformation that began on a pivotal night in March of 1971, with a divided world watching. "Roots of Fight Presents: Ali: Birth of The Greatest" takes a revealing look back with interviews for luminaries from the world of boxing and entertainment.

Among those featured in the film include Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, LL Cool J, Walt Frazier, Rosie Perez, Ed O'Neill, Arthur Mercante Jr, Thomas Hauser, Brett Ratner, George Kalinsky, Steve Farhood, Bob Lipsyte, Mike Greenberg, George Lois, Neal Marshall, and Dr. Todd Boyd.

"Roots Of Fight Presents: Ali: Birth Of The Greatest"

"Roots Of Fights Presents: Ali: Birth of The Greatest is produced by Matador Entertainment in conjunction with Roots of Fight and Spike TV. The Executive Producers include Jay Peterson, Todd Lubin, Jesse Katz, Mike Greenberg, Dave Larzelere, Kevin Kay, Jon Slusser, and Jaimee Kosanke.

Spike's coverage of the Premier Boxing Champions' LIVE event featuring a rematch between Danny Jacobs and Sergio Mora airs on Friday, September 9:00pm ET/PT.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 91.4 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com.

About Roots of Fight:

Roots Of Fight(TM) is a media and lifestyle brand that celebrates the improbable achievements of today's most legendary athletes, innovators, and cultural icons. Our mission is to create high-end art, apparel, and experiences that do justice to each figure's unique battle for greatness. Each story we tell depicts the unending fight at the root of every human triumph.