SLATE INFORMATION

MIAMI, FLORIDA, USA (OCTOBER 8, 1970) (REUTERS)

SV and CU Ali boxing in front of mirror (2 shots)
SV Spectators seated
SV and CU Ali dancing around ring.
SV Spectators.
SV and CU Ali sparring (5 shots )
CU Seconds look on
SV and CU Ali practising riding ropes (2 shots)

Initials 23.16
Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mohammed Ali, known formerly as Cassius Clay, is in training for his first comeback bout in three years.

Ali, who is training in Miami, Florida, is due to fight Californian heavyweight Jerry Quarry in Atlanta, Georgia, on October the 26th.

Ali was stripped of his world title after being convicted in June, 1967, of avoiding conscription. He was fined GBP4,000 Sterling (10,000 dollars) and sentenced to five years' jail, but he has never served the sentence because he is still appealing against it.

Five weeks ago (September the 4th) Ali boxed an eight-round exhibition match in Atlanta to test public reaction to his returning to the ring. The reaction was favourable, although Ali said he was tired after eight rounds and would need to do more training. Recently he has been working out each day in a gymnasium in Miami.

Ali says he wants to fight world champion Joe Frazier. Earlier he hoped to be fighting Frazier instead of Quarry in Atlanta. Now he hopes to go into the ring against Frazier in December.