April 29th, 1961-January 3rd, 1998 (ABC)
A thirty-year fixture late Saturday afternoons on ABC, "ABC's Wide World Of Sports" was the brainchild of ABC sports director Roone Arledge. The show was known to cover almost any type of sport, portraying "The Thrill Of Victory and The Agony Of Defeat." Jim McKay hosted the program from its onset and served as anchor for many years. Principal commentators over the years included Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, Chris Schenkel, Keith Jackson, Bud Palmer, Bill Fleming, Bob Beattie, and Warner Wolf. The show's final broadcast aired on January 3rd, 1998.
On today's episode: live coverage of the Muhammad Ali-Brian London heavyweight fight from London, England. Begins with the Frank Sinatra song, "How Long Will It Last?" Pre-fight interviews with Ali and London by Howard Cosell. Ali wins by third-round knockout and is interviewed in the ring by Cosell.
Blow-by-blow of the fight via Mutual Radio with Les Keiter at ringside.