Plot summary
In the near-future year of 1974, boxing between human fighters has been abolished and the sport is dominated by fighting robots. Former boxer Timothy "Steel" Kelly manages a robot called "Battling Maxo", an older model that is no longer in demand. Kelly and his partner, Pole, have used the last of their money to get to the fight venue. They are being given this chance because one of the scheduled fighters was damaged in transport. Kelly has to assure fight promoter Nolan and his assistant Maxwell that Maxo will be able to fight.
After they leave Nolan's office, Kelly and Pole argue repeatedly over Maxo's fitness. Kelly claims Maxo should be able to go through with the fight despite its age and condition. A spring in Maxo's arm fails when they test it, leaving it unable to fight since the part has been discontinued and they do not have a spare.
Kelly decides he will disguise himself as Maxo to collect the money necessary for repairs. Despite a valiant effort, he is unable to damage Maynard Flash, an opponent of a more advanced model than Maxo, even when he lands an unblocked punch directly to the back of its head. He is nearly killed but manages to last the first round. The crowd jeers and boos at "Maxo's" performance.
Afterward, the fight promoter pays Kelly only half of the agreed-on $500 fee due to poor performance. Kelly does not protest to prevent recognition. Badly bruised but stubborn as ever, he tells Pole they will use the money to repair Maxo and get him ready to fight again.
Credits
Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Steel (The Twilight Zone). Paragraphs and formatting adjusted; illustrations, reference markers, block quotations and non-story material omitted.