Ep 1: 1967 - Public Enemy No.1

1967 - America is on the brink. Over 400,000 US troops are embroiled in a divisive war in South East Asia, while at home the counterculture, fuelled by new drugs, is taking hold. It's supposed to be the 'Summer of Love', but there are protests across the land about civil rights, women rights, ecological concerns, and, of course, the ongoing conflict in Vietnam.

Meanwhile Muhammad Ali dominates the world heavyweight championship - undefeated, a colossus of world sport and one of the most famous faces on the planet. In early '67 he will face his next opponent, Ernie Terrell, a fighter who insists on calling him by his old name of Cassius Clay, but it's the fight outside of the ring that will be the most challenging as his battle against the US Government begins.

For Joe Frazier ’67 is another year on the long road in his effort to become heavyweight champion. He'll have six fights this year, but already it's clear one man stands in his way - Muhammad Ali.

Let legendary rapper Nas be your guide as we set off on a journey of words, music and drama that will lead to ’The Fight of The Century - Ali v Frazier'.

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Credits:

Presenter - Nas Producer - Mark Sharman Writer - Ayad Andrews Drama Producer - Owen Lewis Executive Producer - Phil Critchlow Executive Producer - Nas Drama Recording - Jerry O’Riordan Sound Design - Micky Curling Original Music - Owen Parker Production Assistant - Gabby Morris and Sera Baker Drama Assistant - Maia Henderson Casting Director - Emma Hearn

ACTORS

Trevor Dion Nicholas Aaron Pierre David Menkin Courtney Winston Tomini Babs Evlyne Oyedokun Jennifer Armour Earl R Perkins Clinton Liberty Philip Desmeules Jose Palma Finbar Lynch

A TBI Media Production for BBC Sounds.