Ep 1. Part I

What's My Name | Muhammad Ali is a two-part documentary series that chronicles the life and accomplishments of one of the greatest athletes of all time: Muhammad Ali. The first episode, appropriately titled Part I, provides a detailed account of Ali's upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky, and his early boxing career.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Cassius Clay, the man who would later become Muhammad Ali. The show explores his early years, from his childhood in a segregated Louisville to his introduction to boxing at the age of 12. Through interviews with family members, childhood friends, and historians, the episode paints a vivid picture of the young Cassius Clay and the world he grew up in.

The show then moves on to discuss Clay's early boxing career. Through archival footage and interviews with boxing experts, viewers learn about Clay's early fights, his first trainer, and his rise through the amateur ranks. The episode also explores the role that race played in Clay's early career, particularly in his fight against Sonny Liston in 1964. Despite being the heavy underdog, Clay was able to defeat Liston and become the heavyweight champion of the world.

The episode then delves into Clay's decision to convert to Islam and change his name to Muhammad Ali. Through interviews with Ali's close friends and family members, viewers gain a deeper understanding of Ali's faith and his reasons for changing his name. The show also explores the backlash that Ali faced after his conversion, particularly from the white mainstream media and many in the boxing community.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are introduced to one of Ali's most enduring rivals: Joe Frazier. Through interviews with Frazier himself, as well as boxing historians, viewers learn about the contentious relationship between the two fighters and the eventual "Fight of the Century" in 1971.

Overall, Part I of What's My Name | Muhammad Ali provides a fascinating look at the early years of one of the greatest athletes in history. Through interviews with those who knew him best and archival footage of his early fights, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the man who would become "The Greatest." The episode sets the stage for the second half of the series, which promises to explore Ali's later years and his impact outside of the boxing ring.