October 1, 1962-March 29, 1963 (NBC); 1965-1969 (Syndicated); August 18, 1969-February 11, 1972 (CBS); 1972-1986 (Syndicated)

Guests are Muhammad Ali, Linda Lavin, and Claude Akins. 

An exceptional 39 minutes (including time outs for commercials, included) is devoted to an interviewe with Muhammad Ali. 
Highlights discussed include:
Ali's admiration for Merv and his staff, always realizing that people like to be mystified in life, and that is how I approach my career, and image, currently working for God, wanting to do only good things for others. Boxing secondary. Blessed to be the most famous person in the world. Ali mentions that he has not been recognized in his world travels only in one location...Mecca in Saudi Arabia. States that every third person in the world is named Muhammad. Ali mentions that he is tired of making television appearances and only does it to promote good will and awareness to his faith, cause and inspiration objectives still left to be completed. Ali states that the greatest moment in his life was meeting Elijah Muhammad. He thanks Merv for allowing him to be on his show stating to Merv, "You have the connection and the complexion to get me the protection." 
Ali states that his greatest weight in life has been 245 lbs. Finding it more difficult to lose weight when he wants to at his current age. New Years resolution is to eliminate white sugar, and substitute with raw honey. Ali states that he liked the film "Rocky"..."It was a script of my life."

Merv compliments Muhammad on his acting performance in the about to be released Motion Picture, "The Greatest" a bio of Ali from age 12 to age 21. Ali states that he is financially well off but needs an additional $500 Million Dollars to do the things that he wants to accomplish for others. Merv  reminds Ali of the time he did him a favor and appeared on his show from the streets in Harlem New York. 
Ali currently reading another script and stating that any film he appears in will have no nudity or profanity in it. Ali predicts that "The Greatest" will make more money than "Jaws" and "The Godfather." Muhammad mentions what he tells an opponent in the ring when they are in a clinch, 
"Sucker, You Don't Stand A Chance!"

Ali mentions that he appreciates comics who do impressions of him, and Merv has his head studio usher, Vincent Mazzone do his impression of Ali which draws great applause from all. 
Still photographs are flashed and Ali comments on them.
Joe Frazier..."the toughest fighter I have ever fought."
Ken Norton..."good fighter gut not as good as George Foreman."
George Forman..."Dangerous! A great scientific fighter."
Howard Cosell..."The only one who stood up for me during my Draft crisis issue. However, he also has turned on me. Can never figure him out. He has no specific  talent...a mystery to me how someone without talent can be so successful.

Ali asks Merv what  the budget on his show is. Will he be paid?...short on cash. Asks Merv to show him his wallet.
Merv Griffin thanks Muhammad Ali for appearing on his show and states that Ali is the best. "I love him."