Ep 1. Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)

Muhammad Ali season 1 episode 1, titled "Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)" is a documentary-style series that delves into the life of the world-renowned boxing champion, Muhammad Ali. The first episode chronicles the early years of Ali, from his birth in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, to his initial foray into the world of boxing in 1954 at the young age of 12.

Viewers are taken on a journey through the young Ali's formative years, watching him grow up in the segregated South, facing the challenges that came with being a black youth in America during the era of Jim Crow laws. Despite facing immense adversity, Ali demonstrates an unwavering determination to succeed in the sport that he would later make famous.

As Ali's affinity for boxing grows, the episode showcases his early training sessions in a local gym under the guidance of Joe Martin, a police officer and boxing coach who took Ali under his wing. It also highlights Ali's first amateur fight in 1954, which he won with ease.

From there, the episode showcases Ali's meteoric rise as an amateur boxer, winning numerous fights and titles before his eventual Olympic gold medal in 1960. Even at this early stage in his career, Ali's personality and charisma shine through, with his witty remarks and confident attitude garnering the attention of boxing fans worldwide.

However, the series does not shy away from the controversies that plagued Ali even in his early years. It explores his conversion to Islam and the impact it had on his boxing career, as well as his alleged ties to the Nation of Islam and their famous leader, Elijah Muhammad.

Despite this, the episode showcases how Ali's early years laid the foundation for a boxing career that would make him one of the greatest athletes of all time. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with an understanding of the challenges that Ali faced as a young boxer, as well as the immense talent and determination that would ultimately lead him to become known as "The Greatest."

Overall, "Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)" is a compelling and informative introduction to Muhammad Ali's life and career. It offers a glimpse into the early years of a sports icon, showcasing the challenges and controversies that helped shape one of the greatest boxers of all time.