The Simpsons: 10 Times Homer Really Should Have Died

6. Fighting The Heavyweight Champion Of The World

For fans of Homer head trauma, we're coming back to good old brain injuries. As mentioned, Homer is the sole sufferer of a unique genetic condition called Homer Simpson Syndrome, where his brain is cushioned by a layer of protective fluid. His skull is also thicker than average, acting almost like a football helmet under his skin (no wonder he can take such punishment). This is all explained (and exploited) in "The Homer They Fall." After seeing Homer take a beating from three guys in his tavern, Moe signs Homer up to box in the amateur leagues. Realising his shocking fitness levels mean he couldn't hurt a fly (literally), Moe's tactic changes to the old rope-a-dope: allowing opponents to tire themselves out punching Homer before he lands a single knockout punch. This works fine, until Moe is tempted by a lucrative offer to pit Homer against the world heavyweight champion Drederick Tatum. After just six seconds of the first round, Homer is in serious trouble, enduring intense shots to the head and body. Homer is nothing more than a human punch bag, standing there taking incredible punishment until Moe flies him to safety. It's a wonder that Homer made it as far as the Tatum fight. Even the amateur fighters he faced must have dealt out a fair bit of punishment before tiring themselves out, and you'd think it would have taken its toll eventually. The Tatum fight should have been enough to see Homer take his final fall, but luckily Moe remembered how important their friendship was and stepped in to do the right thing.