Original subtitles

That good?

Six miles in 42 minutes.

-It's your best time yet. -Oh, that's a chump's time.

Sub-40's where the real champs live.

I'll get there by the end of the week.

Bueno, vamos a hacer unos estiramientos.

He wants to stretch you before the sprints.

-Oh, I'm-I'm bueno. -No, no, no. The day just got started.

Take a breather, and then we'll do the sprints.

Do I look like I'm out of breath?

Don't answer that. Back on up, Angie,

fore I get sand in those pretty brown eyes of yours.

Vamos a darle entonces con todo, arriba, arriba.

-♪ Bravehearts ♪ -♪ Uh ♪

-♪ Bravehearts... -Yeah, put that hip in it. Yeah.

Let's go.

Come on.

With trainer Angelo Dundee in his corner for the first time,

Clay makes quick work of Siler.

Think about the rhythm

more than the work.

The rhythm more than the work.

Yeah. Crisscross.

♪ But I ain't Five-O ♪

♪ Y'all know it's Nas, yo...

Clay dominates. A first-round knockout

-takes him to four and oh. -Like a metronome.

It's easier to speed it up than it is to stay consistent.

That's it.

The unbeaten Clark

was something of a test for the young Cassius,

who passed with flying colors.

-Faster. -♪ Bravehearts ♪

-There it is. -♪ They shootin' ♪

♪ Aw, made you look...

Double time.

Clay goes undefeated at ten and oh.

Loosen your hips!

-Ah, bah, bah! -♪ King of the town ♪

-♪ Yeah, I been that ♪ -♪ Bravehearts ♪

♪ You know I click-clack where you and your mens at...

Look at him, Ferdie.

This is his third round of push-ups today.

Unbelievable.

♪ They shootin' ♪

♪ Aw, made you look ♪

-♪ You a slave to a page ♪ -Go to work.

♪ In my rhyme book ♪

♪ Getting big money, playboy, your time's up ♪

-Okay, okay. Okay. -♪ Where them gangstas? ♪

♪ Where them dimes at? ♪

♪ They shootin' ♪

♪ Aw, made you look ♪

♪ You a slave to a page in my rhyme book ♪

♪ Getting big money, playboy, your time's up ♪

♪ Where them gangstas at? ♪

♪ Where them dimes at? ♪

♪ This ain't rapping, this is street hop ♪

♪ Now get up off your ass ♪

♪ like your seat's hot ♪

-♪ Bravehearts... -Cassius, Cassius. Doc, get in there.

Enough. You've been killing these guys.

You're not even getting a good workout.

I'll give him one.

♪ Bravehearts ♪

I've been waiting for you.

♪ My mood is real rude ♪

-♪ I lay you out ♪ -Why you running?

♪ Show you what steel do ♪

-Come on. -Get that right hand up.

♪ Mobsters don't box, my pump shot obliges ♪

Chasing the belt, you got to start moving like the Clay boys!

♪ Like Pun said, "You ain't even in mi clasa" ♪

-♪ I'm a leader at last ♪ -Whoo.

-♪ I'm a leader at last ♪ -Cassius.

-Come on, get to work. Get to work. -♪ I'm a leader at last ♪

♪ Leader at last ♪

♪ They shootin' ♪

-♪ Aw, made you look... -Ooh.

-Punching a little light, Gee. -I got you, boy.

You're going first next time, Rudy.

Cassius, what'd I tell you about dropping that right hand?

I was being sloppy, Angie. Won't catch me with that again though.

Bad habits bring bad outcomes. I'm telling you.

-Angie. -What?

I got the kid a fight.

Against who?

♪ Oh, oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh, yeah ♪

♪ I can't lose, I can't die ♪

♪ When I win, then I fly ♪

♪ For how long, I don't know ♪

♪ But I strive for that glow ♪

♪ That fleeting flash in time ♪

♪ when the whole world will know ♪

♪ My name is ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ My name is ♪

♪ Oh, my name is ♪

♪ My name is, my name is ♪

Sonny Banks?

-You said you was getting me a contender. -What's the matter with you?

-Banks is ranked. -Yeah, number ten.

Where are you on that list?

Ain't it your job to get me on that list?

By putting me in with some real contenders?

Chris is just doing his job.

Beating Banks will open doors for us, Cassius.

Long way from Patterson.

Is he serious?

-Chris. -You're not on anybody's radar, kid.

Rome and your gold medal... that's old news.

Undefeated.

-Unknown! -Fellas.

This is a good news moment. Nobody here should be upset.

I'm over here busting my balls trying to get him a fight with a contender,

-which Sonny Banks is. -Chris.

I even got the promoters to let him tag on to the press tour.

And you want to talk to me about Patterson?

Patterson.

You got me on the press tour?

Uh...

Starts in Vegas.

Why you ain't start with that, man?

Give me a hug.

-Let's go train, Angie. -Good, yeah. Good, good, good,

-good, good, good, good, good. -Go get 'em, killer.

"Why didn't you start with Vegas?"

Kennedy's full of it.

We can't even get a man into orbit.

No one with an IQ believes we're gonna beat the Soviets to the moon.

Last time I checked, you ain't on the science desk.

Right now, America needs to believe we've got the upper hand over the communists.

Even if it's not true yet.

Anything they can do, we can do better and faster and cheaper,

and that includes going to the goddamn moon.

So call all your sources at NASA and get what you need

to tell that story to the American people.

All right. Everyone's got your assignments.

Boss.

Boss.

-Can't do it again, Geller. -Boss, come on.

Look.

I'm ready.

Give me something meatier.

I can take the moon.

One of these other guys could, uh, do the Sonny Banks fight preview presser.

The moon ain't for rookies. It's literally rocket science.

How am I ever gonna break a big story

if I keep covering the same old boring sports beat?

A great journalist can press coal into a diamond.

"Boring" is not a word in any journalist's vocabulary,

including yours.

You've got two options.

Go to the presser or clear out your fucking desk.

Boss.

And we're on, Las Vegas.

You know what time it is.

Oh, you don't?

Well, no need to check your watch.

It's 4:00. That means it's time

for Sin City's favorite radio program,

The Don Miller Show.

Sure gonna be glad you tuned in today.

You two... musicians?

Boxers.

And you might've heard of me.

I'm Cassius Clay, future heavyweight champion.

And he's Rudy,

the only guy who got a chance of taking it away from me.

Well, it's nice to meet you boys.

I'm George Wagner.

Nice to meet you.

And what are you here to promote?

Well, tomorrow night, I...

-I'm going... -George.

Come. Come.

I am now joined by

the only man with a mouth as big as mine,

wrestling's pride, joy, and beautiful boy,

Gorgeous George.

Correction.

I have a far bigger mouth than you

-and a far bigger... -Uhp, a-d-d-dee.

So, we have families listening now.

I was gonna say, "So is my bank account."

Okay. Whew!

Now, George, I was wondering, does it bother you that people

hate you so much?

It doesn't bother me. It surprises me.

Because I am the toast of the coast.

I am the god... of entertainment.

And if you hate me, then you hate yourself.

And I'm gonna prove it once again tomorrow night at the convention center,

when I destroy the Mexican Adonis. Boop.

Well, I don't know what to say

about all that, but it looks like our callers might.

Uh, you're on the air with Don Miller and Gorgeous George.

You're a bum, George. You haven't won a match fair and square since...

You're ruining wrestling, you sissy.

Real wrestlers don't wear sequins.

Well, you're not listening.

I am not human.

I am a god.

And don't be mad that I look better in a gown than your wife does.

But don't worry... I'll be sure to give her some beauty tips

after the show at my victory celebration.

Okay, next caller.

Admit it... you're a fake!

-The whole thing's fake! -Why don't you

come down and say that to my face in the ring?

I'll break your stinking little legs, and then you can tell your doctor

just how fake it all is.

Okay, the lines are lit up, but, uh, we can't take any more calls.

All right, well, if anyone out there has anything else to say to me,

say it to my face

tomorrow night at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

I'll be waiting.

So, you can talk like that and folks still come watch you?

Well, that's why they come.

Well, most of them.

That don't make any sense.

You need to come see it for yourself, then.

Cassius and...

-Rudy, right? -Yeah.

Well, I'll make sure to leave some tickets for you

at the convention center tomorrow night.

Good luck in there, boys.

How you gonna top that?

Hey, let's see.

Uh, bad news, kid. George's segment ran way over.

We couldn't cut him off. Uh, you're not going on.

-What? -Good luck with Banks.

You win that and, uh, we'll have you back. Right?

Want to tell me what's so important

I need to be out here at 6:00 in the morning?

It's Sonny's business to tell.

Does y'all phone not work?

He wanted to see your face.

That's a first.

Good run?

Geraldine says you wanted to see me. How do I look?

Look tired.

My beauty sleep got cut short.

What's on your mind, man?

I want to fight.

I'm working on landing you Floyd, but it's gonna take a minute.

Roger, it's been nine months.

Why can't he fight someone else?

There is no one else.

Sonny's bulldozed his way through the whole weight class.

-Yeah. How about that German? -Mm.

Yeah, Westphal. He always down for a fight.

No. Not a good match.

-Why? -Why?

Well, Sonny'd beat him, of course,

but the man's never been knocked down, let alone knocked out.

Sonny's K.O. record is the biggest reason he's the number-one contender.

As your manager, I have to tell you, it'd be risky.

Hmm. Never been scared of no little risk.

You sure that's what you want?

Can't waste my prime on...

waiting for a fight that might not never happen.

Fine. I'll see what I can do.

Can we go get some breakfast first?

Yeah.

Pancakes. Big stack.

Pancakes it is.

-You got those, Rudy? Mm-hmm. -All right.

Bismillahi

wa alaa barakatillah.

You're gonna give yourselves

a stomachache if you don't slow down.

You guys, uh,

get a chance to study that training manual?

-Read it forward and back twice already. -Mm-hmm.

Even took it to Vegas and studied every night.

Seems like you boys have worn that pamphlet out.

Are you ready for more material?

We're ready.

Mm-hmm.

We'd like to attend classes at the temple.

-Hear your teaching, Captain Sam. -Hmm.

And as much as we love your cooking, Mrs. Saxon...

and we love your cooking...

and these nights together... uh, we feel like to truly learn the Word,

we need to worship with our brothers and sisters.

That's beautiful.

But... you're working so hard to build your profile, hmm?

Nation's profile is pretty high, too, right now,

and a big portion of Americans aren't liking what they seeing.

-They're calling us commies, terrorists. -Those people are wrong.

We're just trying to liberate ourselves.

That's exactly what certain elements don't want.

I'm not saying you shouldn't come to the temple. Just...

just think about whether you want to be making big moves with the world watching,

because the world might not accept what it sees.

Let's dig in.

I trust in Allah.

Allah is my...

Strength.

With Allah...

I can overcome anything.

I am not human.

I am a god.

But they hate you.

Oh, no.

They love me.

They just don't know it.

You have to tell them who you are, even if they don't want to hear it.

I'm the fastest.

I'm the strongest.

I can't be beat.

I'm gonna be the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

Cheers and boos count just the same.

I'm the fastest.

I'm the strongest.

I can't be beat.

I'm gonna be the youngest heavyweight champion in the world ever.

I'm the fastest. I'm the strongest.

I can't be beat.

I'm gonna be the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

I'm the fastest! I'm the strongest!

I can't be beat.

I'm gonna be the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

I'm the fastest! I'm the strongest! I can't be beat!

I'm gonna be the youngest heavyweight champion in the world ever!

I'm the fastest! I'm the strongest! I can't be beat!

I'm gonna be the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

I'm the fa...

Gee, you all right in there?

Yeah.

Yeah.

I'll be out in a sec.

Whatever it takes, make them remember you.

Sonny, what excites you most about this fight?

Well, it-it's got to be fighting in Madison Square Garden.

My whole family's coming out.

You've knocked out your last two opponents

in two rounds.

You expect the same result here?

Yeah, I-I do expect a knockout,

but I don't want to make no predictions now...

Yeah, because you know you'd be lying. You can't beat me.

And if I were you, I'd tell the family to stay home and pray.

Cassius, a lot of young fighters

might be nervous going up against

-a top-ten contender for the first time. -Nervous?

He's the one that should be nervous.

He made the biggest mistake of his life when he agreed to this fight.

And when I'm done with him, he'll want to quit boxing.

Sit down, kid! You're embarrassing yourself!

Man, shut up.

I'm fast, strong and pretty.

You slow, weak and ugly. I'm already winning.

This bum might be afraid to make a prediction, but I'm not.

Clay in four.

And that's not a prediction, it's a guarantee.

Your parents raised you better than that.

You know we're already paying a price for your foolishness, right?

You lost yourself the Dean Cadillac sponsorship.

Congratulations.

Everybody in Louisville already talking about my press conference?

That's not something to be proud of, Cassius.

Have you ever seen Floyd Patterson act like that?

He doesn't talk about how great he is.

He shows it in the ring, and people like that better.

Don't speak for all of us, Mr. Faversham.

We-we like Cassius just the way he is.

So, you condone what he did?

It got you in here.

-What? -All my talking.

It got you down here.

It's gonna get a bunch of people to my fight, too.

Cassius.

I am trying to protect you.

Now, you keep this up, people will hate you,

and they will be happy to see you lose.

And you will not get another chance.

He won't lose.

Is that all?

Yeah, William...

thank you, but we know what we're doing.

Goddamn it.

Don't lose.

Hey.

-Chris? Can... -I got it.

Thanks, Donna.

"Don't lose."

So, what is this? You don't want to be liked?

I want people to know me.

I want them to talk about me.

Doesn't matter if it's good or bad.

I get enough folks talking about me, even Floyd Patterson will have to listen.

You're gonna get your chance at the belt.

Yeah, not soon enough.

You're 20 years old.

Yeah, and Patterson was 21 years, ten months, three weeks and five days old

when he made youngest heavyweight champion.

I want to beat that.

Only way for that to happen is if I'm Floyd's next opponent.

I got no time at all.

And Louisville...

It's not like here at the gym, where everybody's the same.

My folks never got a chance to do or be anything, not really.

And their folks had it even worse.

But you have a chance.

When I get that belt, it'll be like sticking it

to everybody who said I couldn't.

Everybody who said we couldn't.

Yeah, that's right.

Get this feeling inside all the time, like a...

like a tidal wave.

If I just run a little faster or...

if I train a little harder, I know I can do it.

I do, too.

But I got to do it now, Angie.

I got to get to Patterson before it's too late.

-Hello? -Rudy, put your brother on.

-Well, he's not here. -Where is he?

I-I don't know. I just got back from a late run.

But it's nice to hear from you, too, Pop.

Don't worry, I'm also doing just fine.

Who he hanging out with these days, hmm?

W-Well, mostly me and sometimes guys from the gym and...

a few new people we met from here.

New people. Who's "new people"?

Huh? These the same people that tell him to call himself The Louisville Lip? Huh?

He didn't come up with that. The reporters did.

-Listen here. People don't like it. -Who cares what people think?

I care and so should you!

Maybe then you'll do something with your life, huh?

Instead of running around trying to, trying to hide in your brother's shadow.

I ain't hiding in my brother's shadow!

Watch your tone with me.

I'm helping him become champ, like you told me to.

You can't tell me where your brother is right now, so how you helping him?

You ate the same food,

you slept in the same room, and you trained at the same gym.

Your brother came home with the gold medal.

What you got? You ain't got shit.

Maybe you should do your own thing,

'cause trying to copy him ain't working out for you.

In the meantime,

go find Cassius and tell him to shut the hell up with all that talking.

We really doing this?

It's fine. It's fine.

Gee, if folks find out...

We got a Catholic president now.

Who said we can't have a Muslim heavyweight champion?

I don't think folks look at Muslims and Catholics the same way.

You want to hear what Captain Sam is saying?

Of course I do.

Look, if I ain't afraid of facing Patterson in the ring,

I ain't gonna be afraid of some Tom, Dick and Harry

who got a opinion about where I want to worship.

Are you with me?

Now, brothers and sisters, if you're like me, you might already

be experiencing a... a new feeling.

Mm-hmm.

A new feeling that's never been there before.

Yes, brother.

Well, I'm here to tell you that's the sensation of being found.

Of coming home.

You're welcome.

Welcome.

Now, I'm-a let y'all in on a little secret.

See, I was lost first time I came to a temple.

You see, I had, I had built my life around being a soldier

in the white man's army.

But they showed me, y'all. You know what I'm talking about?

To the white man, I wasn't an equal.

I was just cannon fodder. Hmm?

How I'm-a be fighting for your liberty out there,

and I can't get no liberty right here at home?

Come on.

I lost my purpose.

I lost my purpose, and I turned my attention to things

that are designed to destroy good men.

Gambling.

I liked that money, y'all.

Drugs, alcohol. Vices.

Hmm?

And see, I was headed for prison and-and much worse,

when I was offered a timely invitation to visit temple.

And it was in temple,

it was there that the words of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad

opened my eyes to true purpose.

That's right.

That's right. See...

See, he taught me that I am a soldier. I am a soldier indeed.

But not for some country that sees me as-as less than human.

No, I'm a soldier for Allah.

I'm a soldier for us.

And it is through the words of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad

that our true purpose is revealed.

That we are shown

that we can be more.

And his guidance will lead us to paradise,

not just in the ever after,

not just in the ever after but right here on Earth!

Right here on Earth!

All praises be to Allah. All praises be to Allah.

All praise be to Allah. All praise be to Allah.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Yes, sir. All praises be to Allah.

♪ Express yourself ♪

I told you chumps. Four rounds.

Sonny Banks would go four rounds with me.

Who's next? Write it up.

♪ It's crazy to see people be ♪

♪ what society wants 'em to be, but not me ♪

♪ Ruthless is the way to go ♪

♪ They know others say rhymes that fail...

And time.

-Cassius! Cassius! Uh, over here. -Cassius.

How you feeling going into your fight versus Warner?

Give us a prediction.

When I enter the ring, the heavens sing.

The angels know I put on a show,

'cause God filled me with might, and I always use it right.

Don Warner does not yet have a clue that my jab always rings true.

And I'm sorry you won't get more, 'cause I'm dropping him in round four.

After four rounds,

Cassius Clay.

♪ Express yourself ♪

♪ Do it good ♪

♪ Express yourself...

Hey, man, I want my title shot.

You got to tell me. What's the secret?

How-how, how are you doing it?

I'm one of a kind.

I don't do anything the way other fighters do.

Even when I train, I do things most people never seen.

Okay, like what? What-what-what does that mean?

I take hits to my midsection with bamboo sticks to build my pain tolerance.

I soak my hands in diesel fuel to thicken my skin.

-Come on. -I even shadowbox underwater.

Oh, yeah, people are always amazed about how fast my hands are.

Yeah, I can throw punches underwater faster than most men can throw on land.

So when I get out of the water,

I'm throwing punches so fast the human eye can't see it.

-Come on, now. -Did you see that?

-See what? -Exactly.

Got him.

-♪ A king is born... -Clay continues

to use his stamina as an advantage over the older Logan.

Logan, already bleeding, is hoping that gash

on the bridge of his nose can hold a round.

Oh, Cassius with a quick left jab.

Clay ducks and weaves around Daniels' jabs,

hunting for an opening.

Lavorante.

Alejandro pushes back now.

Clay figures the double and triple jab.

He'll stick that left out whenever he can.

Clay winds up and unleashes a barrage against Lavorante.

It's risky business, going around with your hands

down at your side as Cassius did.

Well, I guess he knows what he's doing.

♪ Ghettos of my mind, now it's victory...

Down goes Logan!

Clay wins!

♪ Yes, my soul is blessed, the king is born...

A powerful right hook. He's down.

Clay notches his 14th straight victory.

♪ Ain't no one like me ♪

♪ I'm a legend, legend...

Clay is well-known for sharing predictions,

and even more so for making them good.

From now on, when Clay speaks, you better listen.

♪ Oh, yeah, ain't no one like me ♪

-♪ I'm a legend... -Cassius.

Cassius!

-Have you seen it yet? -What?

The latest rankings in Ring magazine.

♪ I've been down so long and my crown ain't gone, it's destined ♪

♪ Ain't no one like me ♪

♪ I'm a legend, legend, legend ♪

♪ A king is born ♪

We need to run a feature on him before somebody else does.

Marvin.

I know you want a big story, but this kid is not it.

He's a shooting star.

That's exactly what I'm saying. He's a, he's a one of a kind, this guy.

No.

He's gone in the blink of an eye.

This is his peak. Trust me.

What if I cover all the expenses?

Travel, photographer, everything.

You like the story, you run it.

If not, you get to tell me, "I told you so."

How about that? It's a win-win for you.

What you do with your own money is up to you,

but going back down to Miami will count as your vacation.

That's a good one.

Hey, fella, this girl wants to talk to you right here. At the table.

Scram.

Oh, no, thanks, friend. I don't drink.

Oh, I know, champ.

It's grape soda.

Ladies.

I know you?

Well, you do now. I'm Bundini.

Bundini "Fast Black" Brown.

Nice to meet you, Bundini.

-I'm Cassius Mar... -Cassius Marcellus Clay Junior.

Oh, yeah. I've been watching you for a long time now.

In fact, it was while I was watching you floating around Lavorante like a butterfly

that Shorty come down and whispered in my ear.

-Shorty? -You call him "God."

But Shorty came to me and said I got to find you

and do whatever it takes to help you get to that belt.

You talk to Shorty a lot?

Most days.

Well, I got a trainer, a manager and everything else.

Let me ask you a question.

Who's looking out for your mojo?

Bad mojo ends your career quicker than a bolt of lightning.

I'll make sure that never happens.

You ever worked with a boxer before?

I told you my name is Bundini, right?

Ask Angelo about me. He'll tell you.

I stood right by Sugar Ray's side.

-Sugar Ray? -For all the good years.

Me.

Let me make it easy for you.

Pay me what you can. And if you can't pay, I'll still stay.

What do you say, champ?

Tell Shorty it's a deal.

We on our way.

-We're on our way. -Yes, sir.

That's crazy.

The referee has issued his instructions.

Liston and Westphal eye each other from their corners.

The world's most devastating puncher

versus the German tank who has never been dropped.

Hey, champ.

Shouldn't you be watching from out there?

Uh...

Don't need the attention.

Uh, listen with me.

No fireworks yet as Liston stalks menacingly.

Throws a powerful jab left.

It misses by a hair.

Westphal moves surprisingly well for a man his size.

Liston is unable to pin the German down.

Now Westphal pushes forward.

Throws a strong combination of jabs.

Liston withstands the barrage, seemingly unfazed.

Now he fires back with a stiff cross.

It only grazes Westphal's shoulder.

Both men trade back and forth now.

Courageous effort by Westphal, but I...

Oh, my God.

Liston connects with a crushing right hand to the jaw.

Westphal's down, and he has yet to move!

Seven, eight, nine and ten!

It's over!

Liston wins in horrific fashion.

Albert Westphal is still motionless on the canvas.

Medics are trying to revive him. My God...

He landed hard.

He's conscious, though.

Maybe we'll pay a little visit to the hosp...

I said, "Heavyweight champion of the world."

-That's right. That's right. -Gonna be dancing on him.

Hey, Bundini, I've been working on a new one.

-Let's hear it, champ. -Check this out.

I've been moving so fast,

-throwing my pop and my fists. -Mm-hmm.

I hit 'em so good, make 'em do the twist.

I promise you never seen nobody move like this.

That's a good one, yeah?

After that left hook, make 'em do the twist.

Now I'm gonna go dancing.

-Just like that. Uh, uh. -There it is.

I am king! I am king!

-Hey, champ, let me ask you a question. -Yeah.

What's it feel like to be the youngest heavyweight champion of the world?

Oh, I told y'all I'd do it.

I want to thank my mama, uh, my daddy, uh,

Rudy, and, uh, Angelo.

And remember, you must ignore what others say

and only listen to the great Cassius Clay.

You shouldn't be in the ring unless you're coaching or sparring.

That means you, Bundini.

Oh, he gonna be sparring when I make quick work of you.

We'll see about that.

Yeah, we will.

Clear the ring.

Got to take my little brother dancing.

-Take him for a dance, champ. -And...

hit it.

Yo.

Oh, okay. No tap?

-Bite the rhythm. -I got to get you now.

Come on, man.

-Oh. -Come on, man.

What's wrong with you?

Take it easy.

There it is.

All right, keep that right hand up.

Uh-huh.

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold it, hold it, hold-hold it.

Come on, man! What's wrong with you? Huh?

-You're the king, right? You're the king! -Break it up, break it up, break it up!

Okay, I don't want anybody getting hurt.

What Bundini ever do to you?

You lucky he rang that bell!

-You the one on the ropes. -Hey, yo!

-Playtime's over. -Break it up, break it up.

Cassius has a photo shoot.

I'm sure they want his face in one piece.

You cut that shit out.

Come on, jump out of the ring. Come on.

-Go for a walk. -I'm good. Why he mad?

Why you mad, huh?

♪ Hit the road, Jack ♪

♪ and don't you come back ♪

♪ no more, no more, no more, no more ♪

♪ Hit the road, Jack ♪

♪ and don't you come back no more...

Well, hey, hey, hey.

-♪ What you say? ♪ -♪ Hit the road, Jack ♪

-♪ and don't you come back no more... -Yeah, I like Miami.

And Miami likes you, champ.

I'd say it's time to have some fun.

I think you're right. You about to get in, champ?

They said they never seen a shark move as fast as me under that water.

Get in there like a barracuda.

♪ I guess if you said so...

All right, clear out, y'all. The champ needs the pool now.

About to see something you ain't never seen before.

♪ Hit the road, Jack, and don't you come back...

Underwater photography.

Hello.

You ladies can join me if you'd like.

They can join you after, but right now, we got to get to work.

♪ And don't you come back no more, no more...

Right, Rudy?

♪ Hit the road, Jack, and don't you come back...

Gee.

I know Bundini's got you believing you can do anything.

-Don't forget you can't swim. -Hmm.

That reporter's not here to watch me swim.

Come on, man.

Back up fore your pretty self get wet.

Who's the greatest?

Cassius Clay!

Let's hear it again! Who's the greatest of men?

Cassius Clay!

"I Am the Greatest."

Special delivery.

-This is the legend of Cassius Clay... -Here you go. Take a little break.

The most beautiful fighter

-in the world today. -Page 123.

-Page 123. -This rash young boxer

is something to see...

-Take a little break, man. 123. -And the heavyweight championship

-is his destiny. -Andre the Great.

-He is the greatest. -Something for you to look at.

Ain't he just the perfect specimen of a man?

One day you'll be as pretty as me, Andre.

No, you won't.

Check this one out.

-This kid fights great. -The Dundee brothers!

He's got speed and endurance.

But if you sign to fight him, increase your insurance.

This kid's got a left, this kid's got a right.

If he hits you once,

you asleep for the night.

And as you lie on the floor

while the ref counts ten,

you pray that you won't have to fight me again.

The fistic world was dull and weary.

Then someone with color, someone with dash,

brought fight fans a-running with cash.

Cassius Clay.

Arriba, asere.

Too easy for you, champ. You don't get tired.

Ten minutes. No break.

-Bundini. -Mm?

I need some music.

Let's find you a little Sam Cooke.

There are well-intentioned people

who feel a man with Liston's criminal record

shouldn't be on a pedestal as, uh, champion of the world.

On the other hand, when a guy has paid his tab,

he simply must get a chance to make

an honest living at the job he's suited for.

After his last fight, it was clear to me he deserved this opportunity.

Did you consider anyone else?

There is no one else.

So, there you have it.

Floyd Patterson will be defending against contender

Sonny Liston for the belt.

Oh, whoa.

Oh, yo...

Okay. Where's Chris?

Is this what we're doing now?

Stopping halfway through a workout?

What's it matter?

You know, my old man wanted me to be a lawyer.

He always said, "If I wanted my boys to work with criminals and thugs,

I would've stayed in Italia."

And he was right.

He must be real happy though now, right?

No, he's still waiting for me to come to my senses.

I've been waiting for something, too.

I've been waiting for you.

No bullshit.

A fighter like you comes along once in a lifetime.

Maybe once in history.

And I still couldn't do it.

Well, that... that depends on what "it" is.

Listen.

Do you want to be the youngest...

or do you want to be the greatest?

All right, we need the room! Everybody out!

Everybody out, goddamn it!

Come on.

Come on!

Let me see what you got.

That's it. Good.

Use your speed. Get inside!

Good.

We get him past the first few rounds, he knows he's in trouble.

Yeah.

All right, all right. All right.

All right.

Wait a minute.

Look at that man. Look at him.

The youngest heavyweight champion of all time.

The only man to win the belt twice.

You've been doing the impossible your whole life,

and you're gonna do it again, you hear me?

We ain't losing this one. Huh?

We ain't losing this one.

Damn idiot!

Get your ass moving, boy.

Are you truly sorry for the things you've done?

Sit down, boy.

We won't ask you again.

You the mule now!

Someone who behaves like an animal.

An animal. An animal.

I'm so proud of you, baby.

They tried to tell you you'd never get here...

but look at you now.

Roger told me everyone in Philly is rooting for you.

There's gonna be a big parade when you bring that belt home.

I love you.

You a champion.

Comiskey Park, Chicago,

The site of the most anticipated and most lucrative fight in the history of boxing.

Heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson

versus the favored but unloved contender Sonny Liston.

Everyone who's anyone is here tonight.

Over 20,000 fans will pack the arena.

Gentlemen, with me.

This will be the most formidable challenger

the champion has ever met.

I want a clean break at all times.

No rabbit punching, no kidney punching.

Low blows will cost you a round.

In case of a knockdown, I want you to go to the farthest corner,

stay there until I tell you to come out fighting.

Any questions?

Well, good luck to both of you.

Touch gloves. Wait for the bell.

Can Patterson's speed offset Liston's power?

Let's go!

Let's go, let's go. Come on.

Sonny takes any available target.

That's it. Yes!

Patterson bobs, weaves

and does whatever he can to stay clear.

Patterson's plan is to get inside Liston's long jab

and work on the challenger's body.

Hey, hey, hey!

I'm thinking we watch the hook and the uppercut.

Come on, Sonny.

Two brutal shots to the body by Liston backs Patterson up.

Liston with a shattering left hook to the jaw.

Yes.

Patterson is on the ropes.

Liston is throwing everything he has.

Come on, you got him. You got him.

Down goes Patterson.

-The referee begins his count... -One,

-two, three... -But Floyd is struggling to rise.

...four,

five, six,

seven,

eight, nine, ten!

He does not.

The 21st heavyweight champion of the world...

Yes!

Sonny Liston.

Just kiss him, why don't you.

Let's get back to fighting, please.

Liston, come on back here, man.

-I ain't done with you. -Sonny, anything to say?

No, he ain't got nothing to say.

I got everything to say. What was that, man?

A rabbit hunt?

-What you hunting rabbits for? -I'm here with The Louisville Lip.

-Yeah, you is. -What did you think of the title fight?

It was a disgrace.

A disgrace to the fight game.

I was falling asleep in my chair.

I'm still yawning.

Do you think you would've fared better than Patterson?

Oh, of course I would've.

Liston ain't got nothing on me.

I'm young, I'm pretty, I'm fast, and I can't be beat!

I am the greatest!

Take that mic.

Come on, man. What's up, then?

Yeah. You always this ugly?

I know a mirror hate to see you coming, man.

Come on.

I've been waiting for this.

I've been waiting for you, Sonny Liston. I've been waiting for you, Sonny Liston.

Come on, then. Go ahead and take your princess out.

What you got?

Allen just sent some photos from Miami.

♪ Honorable C.N.O.T.E. ♪

♪ Yeah, a little bit more ♪

-Holy shit. -♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Ooh-ooh! I'm on it, yeah ♪

-♪ I'm on it, I'm on it ♪ -♪ Hoo, hoo, hoo, oh! ♪

♪ I'm on a new level ♪

♪ I'm on a new level, I'm on a new level ♪

♪ I'm on a new level ♪

♪ Bought me a new shovel ♪

♪ Put these... in the dirt ♪

♪ Chain with the new bezel ♪

♪ All my... put in work ♪

-♪ I'm on a new level ♪ -♪ I'm on a new level ♪

-♪ I'm on a new level ♪ -♪ I'm on a new level ♪

-♪ I'm on a new level ♪ -♪ I'm on a new level ♪

-♪ I'm on a new level ♪ -♪ I'm on a new level ♪

♪ Bought me a new shovel ♪

♪ Put these... in the dirt ♪

♪ Chain with the new bezel ♪

♪ All my... put in work ♪

♪ Used to be sleeping on itchy beds ♪

♪ Bedbugs in the motel ♪

♪ Now your... give me, give me, give me 20... in the hotel ♪

♪ On a ramen noodle diet ♪

♪ Tour life wasn't so well ♪

♪ All my... starting riots ♪

♪ Moshpittin' on your toenails ♪

♪ Uncle T doing so well ♪

♪ First class from a old jail ♪

♪ T Ferg did 15 ♪

♪ in the feds, getting no mail ♪

♪ My daddy died and my cousin, too ♪

♪ They ain't let them out of no cell ♪

♪ Provide jobs for my whole block ♪

♪ I cannot slow down ♪

♪ I won't stop now ♪

♪ Mother... this is my town ♪

♪ Take the block, make it hot now ♪

♪ 143rd with the drop down ♪

♪ Icy chain with the watch now ♪

♪ Gold piece full of rocks now ♪

♪ ... squint when they watch now ♪

♪ Leveling up to the top now ♪

♪ I'm on a new level, I'm on a new level ♪