"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee..."

Perhaps no other pugilist has ever had the same impact on the sport of boxing than the iconic figure known as Muhammad Ali. Breathtaking athletic ability, a stunning combination of style and grace and a level of charisma unmatched by any other sports figure (other than perhaps Babe Ruth) all combined to create one of the most legendary figures to ever step into a boxing ring. And, as NBC saw it, there was never a more perfect premise for a Saturday morning cartoon series.

Debuting in 1977, I Am The Greatest: The Adventures of Muhammad Ali featured the voice of Ali himself, who took on the roll of fighting for the underdogs of the world and, when he had a few spare moments, even solving a mystery or two. Assisting the Great One were his young nephew Damon and Nicky, his niece. Frank Bannister, Ali’s real-life public relations manager even had a role in the series as well (and lent his voice to his animated self.)

Luckily, the man once known as Cassius Clay had a much longer career than his cartoon counterpart. Audiences just weren’t as inspired by the hand-drawn version of this American hero and, after being tried in a number of timeslots, the decision was made to throw in the towel after a single season.