It's not only Sony Entertainment that is bidding to push sporting spectacle on its entertainment channels. If Sony will be pushing ICC cricket on its SET and MAX channels, the Star Network is doing its own little number on Star World and Star movies. Star has announced boxing specials next week on two of its general entertainment channels - Star Movies and Star World.

Reigning three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis defends his title against Mike Tyson on Star Movies on 9 June live at 6:30 am with a repeat at 9:30 pm. Meanwhile, Star World is all set to pay tribute to boxing legend Muhammad Ali on the occasion of his 60th birthday. The Muhammad Ali 60th Birthday Celebration airs on the channel on 4 June at 9 pm.

Hosted by Will Smith, who played the boxing legend on screen in Ali, the one-hour special was taped at the new Kodak Theater in Hollywood, the venue of the Academy Awards in March this year.

Joining Smith to present film clips of Ali's legendary career are film stars Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding, Jr, Samuel L Jackson, Sidney Poitier, Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, John Travolta.

CNN chat show host Larry King and Layla Ali, the boxer's daughter will also be present on the occasion. The show includes musical performances by India.Arie (Strength, Courage & Wisdom), Mariah Carey (Happy Birthday), Natalie Cole (This Will Be) as well as a special message from boy band NSYNC.



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