With the much-hyped Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on our minds, this seems like a good time to look at some of the best sitcom episodes that have added a bit of the sweet science to their comedy stylings. From the nearly “un-knockoutable” Homer Simpson to Lois Griffin’s rage-based pugilism on Family Guy, the top contenders for the title of best boxing episode are all assembled.
The Simpsons – “The Homer They Fall” – Original Airdate: November 10, 1996
In this episode, Homer becomes a professional boxer after he learns that he cannot be knocked down. He then beats a seemingly infinite number of anonymous hobos before his overnight success convinces Moe, his manager, to believe he might stand a chance against Drederick Tatum, the show’s Mike Tyson facsimile (“I think Homer’s a good man, but I will make orphans out of his children”). Naturally, Homer’s ability to not get knocked down doesn’t work as well against a world champion fighter who can punch relentlessly without getting tired, so Moe rescues Homer by stealing The Fan Man’s fan just as he’s about to get knocked out. Considering that Homer’s career ended with just one defeat at the hands of a world class fighter, though, you’d have to say that his boxing career was a huge success.
Martin – “Guard Your Grill” – Original Air Date: February 27, 1994
In this classic Martin episode, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns hits on Gina a little too aggressively, causing Martin to take offense. Naturally, he then challenges the unwanted gentleman caller to a boxing match. As we can see in the above clip, things do not go particularly well for him. In the end, though, it doesn’t matter; Gina still loves him, and is grateful that he went out of his way to defend her honor. Still, Martin’s boxing career proves to be thankfully short-lived. Which is fine, since he’s taken so well to a less traditional fighting style.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air – “Boxing Helena” – Original Air Date: January 8, 1996
In this episode, Will gets suckerpunched by a female boxing trainer named Helena. Having been taught that he should never hit a woman, he declines to challenge her to a fight, even after being encouraged to do so by friends and family. Unable to take the ridicule anymore, Will eventually decides to take her on in the ring. Unsurprisingly, things don’t go well inside the ring, but with proper training, he was able to save the planet a short time later.
Family Guy – “Baby, You Knock Me Out” – Original Air Date: November 14, 2010
When Peter tricks Lois into participating in a boxing match, Lois initially wants nothing to do with it but she keeps fighting when she realizes that not only is she good at boxing, but that by fighting, she’s able to take out her anger at Peter on her opponents. Eventually, she explains this to Peter and they reconcile, with Lois agreeing to stop fighting. Her retirement plans are thwarted, however, by Deidre Jackson, a vicious fighter who accuses Lois of being too afraid to fight. After getting pummeled for most of the match, Lois pulls off a stunning comeback.
As you can see in the above clip, this episode also touches on the issue of post-career brain injuries and boxers. As always, no topic is too uncomfortable for Family Guy.
Futurama – “Raging Bender” – Original Air Date: February 27, 2000
Some of you may point out that the futuristic sport of Ultimate Robot Fighting has more in common with wrestling than boxing, but while that may be true, this episode still has several references to the boxing world. Most notably, the interplay between the disembodied heads of George Foreman and Rich Little impersonating Howard Cosell. Plus, we get Fry’s classic line: “I thought Ultimate Robot Fighting was real, like wrestling, but it turns out it’s fake, like boxing!” There might be more truth to that line than Fry was intending.
