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GV Ali escorted by police into stadium
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GV Ali ready for workout
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CU Feet PULL BACK TO Ali hitting punching bag (3 shots)
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CU Team member watching
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GV Ali sparring (3 shots)
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CU Team member
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GV Ali in corner
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Initials CL/1845


SPORT: BOXING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: World heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali held his first workout in Manila on Tuesday (16 September) as he tones up for his title defence against Joe Frazier in the Philippine capital on 1 October.

It will be Ali's first title defence since he defeated Britain's Joe Bugner in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, earlier this year.

It won't be his first fight with Frazier, though. The two are seasoned rivals, having fought twice before. Frazier beat Ali on points the first time but Ali defeated Frazier on points the second time. He says he'll beat Frazier this time, too, by knocking him out.

Ali says he is in top condition. But then, so does Frazier.

During his training sessions at Manila's Folk Art Theatre, Ali is generally watched by up to 4,000 boxing fans, some paying as much as 1.50 U.S. dollars (70 pence sterling) to get a ring side seat.

He dazzles them with his ring speed and his skilful routine with a punching bag... and in between he keeps them entertained with his famous theatrics and fast talking.

Ali will take home no less than 4.5 million U.S. dollars (2.1 million pounds sterling) and Frazier, 2.5 million U.S. dollars (1.6 million pounds sterling).

And, of course, one of them will also walk away with the heavyweight title.