After winning the Best Director Oscar for the drama Life of Pi, director Ang Lee is moving to the boxing ring for an untitled 3D project that will explore classic bouts from the 1960s and 1970s, including Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier's 1975 heavyweight title fight known as "The Thrilla in Manila."

Peter Morgan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Queen) is writing the screenplay that takes a look at the sweet science through some of its biggest rivalries. While the narrative thread is unknown at this time, it will be used along with 3D depictions of these fights. It isn't known if the filmmaker plans to convert footage of these matches into 3D, or if he will simulate them through 3D models or motion-capture work.

Ang Lee is also producing alongside Focus Features CEO James Schamus, who previously co-wrote and produced several of the director's movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain. Universal Pictures will distribute, although no production schedule was given.