Superman vs Muhammad Ali: The Man of Steel’s Greatest Fight

DC’s Superman’s strength is no secret, hence why he’s able to knock out one of the strongest X-Men villains-The Juggernaut-in the Marvel Universe and a crossover event. In addition to being one of the strongest members of the Justice League, he constantly has to save the world from utter destruction and annihilation as he faces old and new threats. But nothing can prepare him for the time has to save the world from an alien race known as the Scrubb and battle boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

At first glance, one can assume the Son of Krypton has an obvious advantage over Muhammad Ali in the ring. But before the fight begins, the odds become even as Superman’s powers are diminished by another kryptonite. In writer and comic book icon Dennis O’Neil and penciler Neal Adams’ comic Superman vs. Muhammad Ali; Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen are walking the streets of downtown Metropolis, in search of boxing champion-Muhammad Ali. When the trio find Ali shooting hoops with a group of kids, they attempt to interview him. But, they are soon interrupted by an alien emperor named Rat’Lar-leader of the alien race known as the Scrubb who tells Kent, Lane, Olsen, and Ali, that he wants Ali to fight their greatest champion. Of course, Ali denies Rat’Lar’s request. To prove he’s not bluffing, Rat’Lar tells his space-armada to shoot two missiles at Earth. Luckily, Superman stops them from destroying an entire city and returns to Rat’Lar, Ali, Olsen, and Lane. In addition to fighting the Scrubb champion, Rat’Lar proposes Muhammad Ali fight Superman… to see who is the true champion of Earth.

Related: Superman’s Newest Power is Also His Most Devastating

Knowing the fate of the world lies in their fists, they agree to fight. Soon, Superman, Ali, Olsen, Lane, and thousands of aliens from all over the galaxy and universe arrive on the Scrubb home world. Before fighting one another, Superman realizes their home world is next to a red sun and knows that the match will be even, because the sun will strip away all of his superhuman strength and powers. Then, ding! the bell rings and Superman is boxing Muhammad Ali. At first, Superman seems to have the upper hand on Ali. But then, Ali begins to pound Superman with one punch after another, until the Man of Steel can hardly stand. To avoid killing Superman, Ali stops fighting and the crowd of aliens go wild as Superman collapses in the ring.

But the fight’s not over! Soon, Hun’Ya steps out onto the ring-the Scrubb’s champion and scientifically engineered warrior. As the bell rings once more, Ali takes on a giant green beast. In the meantime, Superman recovers and disguises himself as Bundini Brown- a member of Ali’s boxing team. As Ali continues to fight Hun’Ya, he buys Superman enough time to escape from the Scrubb homeworld and destroy Rat’Lar’s space-armada. But not without losing all of his strength. As Superman drifts in space, Ali takes punch after punch until his body begins to shake. But when the well-known activist hears Rat’Lar tell him that he can stop fighting, just as long he allows all of humanity to become enslaved, Ali denies Rat’Lar the satisfaction of witnessing him give up and knocks out Hun’Ya. After Hun’Ya regains consciousness, he revolts against Rat’Lar and calls him out on his lack of honor-striping him of the title and calling himself emperor of the Scrubb. The crowd of alien’s go crazy as they learn the power of humanity’s courage and the fact that Muhammad Ali is champion of the cosmos!

After rescuing Superman from space and heading back to Earth, Ali tells Superman he knows he’s Clark Kent. In addition, he tells Superman he can put up a big fight-which surprises Superman because Ali tends to boast about himself. The two shake hands, and go on their merry way, knowing the world is safe. Superman can destroy stars by sneezing, but it’s clear he’s not as strong as he looks without his powers. Even the boxing champion Muhammad Ali can strip Superman of his title as strongest hero.

About The Author