The 2001 American biographical sports film was co-written by Michael Mann, who also produced and directed the film. The film chronicles ten years in the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, starting with his victory over Sonny Liston in 1964 and ending with his triumph over George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974. The lead role was played by Will Smith, who dedicated a full year to studying Ali's life, undergoing intense boxing training, Islamic studies, and learning a specific dialect. Smith noted that his portrayal of Ali is one of his proudest works. A realism-oriented approach was chosen for the fight scenes: instead of traditional "Hollywood fights" using stunts and special effects, real boxers were used on set. The work on the scenes was closely tied to boxing promoter Guy Sharp and his fighter Ross Kent. All boxers in the film were either former or current world heavyweight champions. Filming took place in several cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami. Scenes were also shot in Mozambique and in Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. One of the significant locations for the film was Ghana, where several key scenes reflecting Ali's history and culture were filmed.

Filming Locations:

5th Street Gym

In the Movie

The scene where Ali trains in a gym, actively working on his technique. He performs a series of quick movements, trains his reaction and endurance, showcasing his incredible speed and aggressiveness.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a gym in Miami that replicated the venue where Muhammad Ali trained in the early years of his career. Known as the "5th Street Gym," this legendary training facility is located in the Miami Beach area. The place became a center for boxing training in the 1960s, and it was there that Ali spent countless hours honing his technique and physical conditioning.

African Streets

In the Movie

The scene where Ali travels to Africa to meet Malcolm X. However, following the instructions of Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad, he soon refuses to maintain contact with Malcolm. Later, Ali deeply mourns the news of Malcolm X's assassination.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Accra — the capital and largest city of Ghana, located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. The city serves as the most important political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Accra combines colonial architecture, modern buildings, and traditional African elements. Notable landmarks include Independence Square, Fort Christiansborg (built by the Danes in the 17th century), bustling markets like Makola and Kantamanto, and densely populated neighborhoods reflecting local life. Due to its historical and cultural significance, Accra is often used as a filming location for scenes related to African heritage, the independence movement, and events of the decolonization era.

Kinshasa

In the Movie

The scene where Foreman and Ali travel to Kinshasa, the capital of Zaire, to participate in the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight. While there, Ali meets Veronica Porsche, and a romantic relationship develops between them. Learning from newspapers about his alleged infidelity, his wife Belinda flies to Zaire to confront the situation.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Maputo — the capital of Mozambique, located on the coast of the Indian Ocean in the southeastern part of the country. The city is known for its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and an atmosphere that blends African culture with Portuguese heritage.