In 1964, professional boxing's promising young upstart,
Cassius Clay, went boldly into the ring with the formidable reigning heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, also known as "The Bear." This video contains the entire fight, in which Clay enthusiastically followed his own advice, to "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," punching and dodging with amazing energy and showing no fear of his powerful opponent. At the end of round four, Clay's eyes were burning and streaming (apparently a foreign substance had been introduced), but he made it through the fifth round, regained his sight in the sixth, and was back in form for the seventh, after which, the word came out that Liston would not continue, and Clay was the new world champion. The video also includes a post-fight interview in which Clay expressed his vehement thoughts and feelings about the "Establishment." Shortly after this victory, he changed his name to
Muhammad Ali and proceeded with his memorable career. ~ Alice Duncan, All Movie Guide