Ep 3. Muhammad and Larry

In the third episode of ESPN Films' Rivalries Collection, we delve into one of the most historic boxing matches of all time: Muhammad Ali versus Larry Holmes. The episode, entitled "Muhammad and Larry," explores the complex relationship between two of the greatest boxers of all time, and how their friendship was tested in the lead up to their eventual bout.

The episode begins by introducing the two boxers, both of whom were born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. Muhammad Ali was already a legend by the time he announced his return to boxing in the late 1970s, having won multiple world championships and becoming a cultural icon of the civil rights movement. Larry Holmes, on the other hand, was a lesser-known fighter who had trained with Ali early on in his career and had since struggled to make a name for himself.

As the episode unfolds, we see how the two boxers' paths continue to intersect as Ali makes his comeback and Holmes begins to rise through the ranks. Despite their shared Louisville roots, however, tensions begin to arise between the two fighters as Ali brings up some of the personal issues he had with Holmes during one of their training sessions.

With the stage set for their eventual bout, the episode goes into great detail about the lead up to the fight itself. We see how Ali and his team underestimated the younger, hungrier Holmes, and how Ali's declining health also contributed to his eventual defeat. Ultimately, Holmes won the fight in a unanimous decision, but his victory was bittersweet given the complex history he shared with Ali.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a variety of voices who shed light on the complexities of the Ali-Holmes rivalry. From boxing historians to people who knew the fighters personally, the interviews bring a sense of depth and texture to the story, providing additional context for the events at hand.

Overall, "Muhammad and Larry" is a fascinating look at the intersection of sports, race, and personal relationships. By digging deep into the complexities of the Ali-Holmes rivalry, the episode sheds light on what it means to be a boxer, a rival, and a friend in the cutthroat world of professional sports.