:59:03
(Commentator) Here comes the
Ali people out of the dressing room
:59:05
and all of the questions
will be answered.
:59:08
The awesome power of George Foreman
:59:11
against the varied boxing skills
of Muhammad Ali.
:59:14
It's age against youth.
:59:17
The experience of Muhammad Ali
:59:19
against the youth and brute force
and blinding speed.
:59:23
You can hear the band strike up
in the background
:59:25
as Ali moves to the ring.
:59:27
This is what Muhammad Ali lives for,
this is the man's life.
:59:31
This may be an historic event,
:59:34
Muhammad Ali coming into
the boxing ring for the last time.
:59:38
Should Muhammad Ali retire,
:59:40
this will be, what you're seeing now,
a very historic event.
:59:43
Here comes the heavyweight champion
of the world, George Foreman,
:59:47
jogging out!
:59:49
George Foreman
decked out in his red robes,
:59:52
coming in with his people.
:59:54
(Mailer) 'No one in the press
ever saw Mobutu
:59:58
'and he didn't come to the fight.
1:00:00
'He watched the fight
on closed circuit.
1:00:03
'It was the only one in Zaire.
1:00:05
'He was terribly afraid
of assassination.
1:00:08
'This stadium
was a true arena for gladiators.
1:00:11
'The floor you could not see beneath
the floor was covered with blood.
1:00:17
'That blood had been washed away
but the effect was still there.'
1:00:21
(Commentator) There was talk
about the possibility of rain,
1:00:24
I don't think the weather could be
any more beautiful than it is.
1:00:28
Ali is getting the people to chant!
1:00:31
"Ali, boma ye,"
that means "Ali, kill him."
1:00:34
(Mailer) 'The atmosphere before
the bell rang for that first round
1:00:39
'was as intense
as any I ever recall.'
1:00:42
(Commentator) As they stare, Muhammad
Ali talking to George Foreman.
1:00:47
Really staring at each other.
1:00:49
Foreman looking serious,
Ali definitely talking.
1:00:52
Look at the stare on Foreman.
Look at Ali give him the word.
1:00:56
The stage is set, we're just about
ready to begin round one.