Was there a real Rocky Balboa?
Interestingly, Rocky Balboa is actually based on a real-life person: Chuck Wepner. Wepner was born in 1939, and first started fighting on the streets in Bayonne, New Jersey (an interest that would eventually earn him the nickname of “The Bayonne Bleeder,” since he bled a great deal during his fights). What happened to all of Rocky’s money?
Is Rocky Balboa based on a real person?
Taking the plunge to chase greatness at his passion, Rocky Balboa has to prove to both himself and the world that he's a worthy contender to take on the famous and highly-regarded Creed. Interestingly, Rocky Balboa is actually based on a real-life person: Chuck Wepner.
Is Rocky Balboa based on a real boxer?
Rocky was a guy from the tough streets of Philadelphia who got this one chance to make it big in the boxing world. Everyone knows the Rocky character was played by Sylvester Stallone. Many people may not know the Rocky character is based on a real-life boxer named Chuck Wepner.
Is Rocky Balboa a true story?
The Rocky movies feature the titular, majorly beloved sports drama character, and the true story of boxer Chuck Wepner helped inspire Sylvester Stallone to create him - but who was he? The franchise debuted in 1976 with the simply named Rocky , and the world met the Philadelphia fighter with a signature heart of gold and undying tenacity.
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Did Rocky Balboa ever lose?
The first film ends with Rocky losing, by judges' decision, his fight against the heavyweight champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers)—but winning a more personal victory by “going the distance,” making it through an entire fifteen rounds in the ring as no previous challenger had.
What was Rocky's record before fighting Apollo?
From then on, Rocky's battles take him around the world and change his personal world completely -- but not always for the better. Rocky Balboa fought 64 times before the main event in Rocky, going 44-20 with 38 knockouts.
Did Rocky Balboa actually fight?
Interestingly, Rocky Balboa is actually based on a real-life person: Chuck Wepner. Wepner was born in 1939, and first started fighting on the streets in Bayonne, New Jersey (an interest that would eventually earn him the nickname of "The Bayonne Bleeder," since he bled a great deal during his fights).
Did Rocky win all his fights?
Rocky has a record of 57-23-1 in the franchise, which adds up to 81 fights. These numbers account for nearly all of the bouts he's been in, but they exclude his win over Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison) in Rocky V since that was a street fight and not an official match in any capacity.
How good of a boxer was Rocky?
Rocky retired a pro with a record of 57 wins (51 KO), 23 losses and 1 draw, just a bum from the neighborhood who won the Heavyweight Championship of the World title twice. Apollo Creed didn't just yank Rocky Balboa from obscurity. He saved his life.
How many fights did Rocky actually win?
57Boxing styleRocky BalboaStatisticsTotal fights80Wins57Wins by KO517 more rows
Who killed Rocky Balboa?
To his ever-lasting regret, this turns out to have fatal consequences as Drago lands a final punch on Apollo that knock him to the ground, killing him. Rocky holds a dying Apollo Creed.
Why is Rocky poor in Creed?
A misstep in the franchise, this entry sees Rocky lose all of his money due to poor investments and retire from boxing because of brain damage suffered at the hands of Drago in Rocky IV.
Who was the greatest boxer of all time?
The fans' top 5 greatest boxers of all timeMuhammad Ali. The Greatest was not only one of the best heavyweights of all time, he was also one of the most colorful. ... Sugar Ray Robinson. ... Rocky Marciano. ... Joe Louis. ... Mike Tyson.
Who was Rocky's toughest opponent?
Ranking Rocky Balboa's toughest opponents8) Spider Rico. ... 7) Joe Chan. ... 6) Vito Soto. ... 5) Mac Lee Green. ... 4) Mason Dixon. ... 3) Ivan Drago. ... 2) Clubber Lang. 'The Southside Slugger' accumulated a 28-0 pro record before challenging then-champion Balboa in 1983. ... 1) Apollo Creed. They started as foes and finished as friends.More items...
How many times did Rocky get knocked down?
Rocky will get knocked down 20 times in a round but somehow, the referee always allows the fight to continue. Rocky Balboa, the 2006 film featuring former light heavyweight titlist Antonio Tarver, changed the equation.
Why did Rocky lose his money?
Rocky Balboa is forced to retire after having permanent damage inflicted on him in the ring by the Russian boxer Ivan Drago. Returning home after the Drago bout, Balboa discovers that the fortune that he had acquired as heavyweight champ has been stolen and lost on the stockmarket by his accountant.
What happened to Apollo Creed after Rocky?
Following the fight at the end of Rocky, in which Apollo Creed has successfully defended his heavyweight title in a split decision, he and Rocky are taken to the same hospital for treatment of their injuries. Apollo challenges Rocky to a rematch in front of the press, but Rocky declines and announces his retirement. Rocky became a national celebrity and a worldwide hero going the distance against Creed. He was offered a lot of endorsements offers after that fight. His girlfriend Adrian supports this choice, as do his doctors, who reveal he will require surgery for a detached retina, which could lead to permanent blindness. After Rocky is discharged from the hospital, he begins to enjoy the benefits of his life's changes resulting from the match: Rocky's new fame attracts him an agent who sees Rocky as a potential endorsement and sponsorship goldmine and his sudden wealth encourages him to propose to Adrian. She happily accepts and they marry in a small ceremony. Soon after, Rocky and Adrian happily learn that Adrian is pregnant with their first child. His Beast AfterShave commercial was terrible, he care barely read the lines. He quit after that. He couldn't find any other job, since he never graduated high school and they offered him a manual labor job. But Paulie, his brother in law gave him his old job at Shamrock Meat. Rocky needed the money and he took it. Rocky loved that job, but he got fired because they were cutting back. He went to Mickey and ask him to train him. He is considering accepting a rematch against Creed. He went the distance last time, maybe this time he will go for the win. But Mickey was against it, tested him that he doesn't have the tools like he used to. Rocky asked him for a job in his gym, Mickey accepted it.
What is Rocky Balboa famous for?
He is famous for his indomitable spirit, extreme tenacity and ferocious body attack. Balboa is the titular protagonist in Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V and Rocky Balboa and the deuteragonist in Creed and Creed II .
What does Donnie do to Rocky?
Seeing Rocky shaken, Donnie urges him to seek treatment; as long as Rocky agrees to fight his cancer, Donnie will train for the fight, and Rocky agrees. Donnie trains at the hospital and the gym, in addition to assisting the weakened Rocky at home and going over fight strategies. Rocky prepares Adonis for the fight.
Where did Paulie and Adrian move to?
Luckily, Paulie had kept his old home in South Philadelphia, and in 1986, the family packed up and moved back into the modest home. Rocky assured Adrian that the move would only be temporary. Some time later, Rocky reopened Mickey's old gym, Mighty Mick's Gym, and was approached by a young fighter named Tommy Gunn.
What restaurant did Rocky open after Tommy Gunn?
Rocky completely moved on from the boxing world after the Tommy Gunn incident, and in 1995, opened a small but successful restaurant named Adrian's, after his beloved wife.
Where does Rocky Balboa live?
He lives in the Kensington neighbourhood of Philadelphia. Rocky is first seen defeating the boxer Spider Rico in the second round, but is considered by the audience to be a bum.
Where does Apollo take Rocky?
Apollo's plan is to take Rocky back to the basics, from putting him and his family up in an old, unkempt hotel in Creed's old neighborhood, as well as returning to his old gym, where he hooks Rocky up with Duke, Apollo's former trainer. Rocky and Apollo celebrating Rocky getting his Eye of the Tiger back.
Who is Rocky Balboa?
Rocky Balboa. About The Author. Nicholas Raymond (2651 Articles Published) Nicholas Raymond is a staff movies & TV features writer for Screen Rant. He has a degree in journalism from the University of Montevallo, and is the author of the psychological thriller and time travel novel, "A Man Against the World.".
What was Apollo's record in Rocky?
It’s worth noting that most of his matches happened prior to the events of Rocky, with his record at the start of the franchise being 43-20.
How many rounds did Rocky Balboa win against Ivan?
To avenge his friend, Rocky Balboa survived 15 grueling rounds against Ivan, and eventually scored a K.O., which became his 51st (and final) knockout win of his career.
When did Rocky retire?
He was at the height of his fame during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rocky officially retired from the sport in the 1990s and only got back in the ring for a single exhibition match in 2006’s Rocky Balboa against Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver).
Who took Rocky down?
It was Thunderlips who gave Rocky the first and only draw on his record. Afterward, an overconfident Rocky was taken down by Clubber Lang (Mr. T). The loss proved to be a humbling experience, as it pushed him to get back into fighting shape.
Who killed Apollo in Rocky IV?
In 1985's Rocky IV, he went through one of his toughest fights yet when he was pitted against Russian champion Ivan Drago ( Dolph Lundgren), who killed Apollo in the ring. To avenge his friend, Rocky Balboa survived 15 grueling rounds against Ivan, ...
How many movies has Sylvester Stallone been in?
The character, who has been featured in a total of eight films to date, participated in over 80 matches throughout his long career as a professional boxer. Sylvester Stallone’s character was battling challengers in the ring long before he first went up against the world champ, Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed, in Rocky.
Who was Tony Gazzo's loan collector?
Balboa fought in amateur club fights while working on the side as a loan collector for Philadelphia crime family loanshark Tony Gazzo; his club fights were often low-paying and infrequent. On 25 November 1975, he defeated Spider Rico in a match at Kensington, but, after being taxed by the club, his winnings were just $40. A day later, Gazzo had him collect $200 from Bob Hartigan, but Balboa refused to break Hartigan's thumbs on Gazzo's instructions when Hartigan gave him just $130.
Where was Rocky Balboa born?
Robert Balboa was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 6 July 1945, the only child in a working-class, Catholic Italian - American family. Balboa was raised in South Philadelphia, and he learned to understand Italian from his family, although he only spoke English. Balboa attended church and, after he owned his own apartment, he hung a crucifix at his house. During his childhood, Balboa was told by his father that he was not born with the sharpest brain, so he would have to use his body to make his way in life. This encouraged Balboa to take up boxing, and he assumed the ring name "Rocky" after his idol, Rocky Marciano .
Who did Balboa train with?
Balboa began training with Goldmill, and, at the same time, he began dating Adrian Pennino, the younger sister of his drinking buddy Paulie Pennino, and an employee at a pet store which he frequented. The two of them provided moral support for each other, and Balboa decided that, even if he did not win against Creed, he would want to go the distance. Balboa undertook intense training with Goldmill, even famously running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and celebrating upon reaching the top, having finally increased his speed and become prepared for the fight.
When was Rocky Balboa made?
premiere of the film "Rocky Balboa" in Hollywood section of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) Associated Press. Whenever I get into discussions with my buddies about the best boxing movies ever made, the Rocky films are always at the top of my list.
How many body shots did Balboa hit in Rocky 2?
In the final round, Balboa hit Creed with 13 body shots, but somehow Creed survived to win. The stats grew even more ridiculous for the rematch in Rocky II, when Balboa won by 15 th -round KO after he staggered to his feet to just beat the ref’s count following a double knockdown. According to CompuBox, Creed outlanded Balboa 61-7 in ...
How many punches did Creed vs Balboa get?
In the first Creed vs. Balboa fight in the original Rocky, a fight Creed narrowly won by decision, Creed landed 25 punches, including an unheard 84% percent of his jabs, on Balboa in the first round. Balboa landed only three punches in the first round and only threw one overall in the first two minutes of the fight.
How many punches did Ivan Drago throw in Rocky IV?
In the final match worked by Canobbio, Balboa vs. Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, the dreaded Drago somehow managed to find Balboa’s face and/or body on 61 of the 72 punches he threw in the first three minutes.
How many jabs does Rocky take?
From the first Rocky movie to the fifth, the boxing is unrealistic and just plain silly. Rocky will take a dozen jabs to the face without putting up his hands for defense. Then, he’ll turn it around on Apollo Creed or Ivan Drago and land six-straight right hands.
How many straight shots did Creed get in the first round?
According to CompuBox, Creed outlanded Balboa 61-7 in the first round, including 26 straight shots to open the fight. By the end of the second round, Creed’s punch advantage had grown to 92-37. Before Balboa stopped Creed in the 15 th and final round, Creed struck Balboa with 15-straight punches. Then, of course, Balboa courageously battled back ...
Is there live boxing in the Creed movies?
But since there’s currently no live boxing to discuss, CompuBox’ s Dan Canobbio, the son of founder Bob Canobbio, charted all the punches thrown and landed in the first four Rocky movies. On Twitter, he called the results “ absolutely staggering .”.
Overview
Character biography
Robert "Rocky" Balboa was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 6, 1945. He was the only child in a Roman Catholic Italian-American or Italian immigrant family. However, the surname Balboa (Italian pronunciation: [balˈbɔːa]; roughly meaning "beautiful valley") originates from a Galician-speaking town in northwestern Spain. When Rocky is spoken to by his Italian priest, Father Carm…
Personal life
Balboa resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and married Adriana "Adrian" Pennino in 1976. They were married for 26 years. The two have a son, Robert Balboa Jr., who unlike his father goes by Robert.
After Adrian's death in 2002, Rocky and his brother-in-law Paulie live together for a short time, then Paulie moves in with an unnamed girlfriend. Now living completely alone again, Rocky cannot co…
Character origin
The name, iconography, and fighting style of Rocky Balboa was inspired by the legendary heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano from Brockton, Massachusetts and from the 5 times world champion Roberto 'Manos de Piedra (Hands of Stone)' Durán, from Panama, where the Balboa is the official currency. Balboa was also inspired by other fighting legends: Joe Frazier, for his Philadelphia origin, training methods and victory against Muhammad Ali (the inspiration for Apoll…
Boxing style
Rocky Balboa fights as a southpaw (left-handed). In the second film, against Apollo Creed, he comes out orthodox and Mickey intends for him to switch back to southpaw late in the last round, but Balboa refuses saying "no tricks, I ain't switching". Mickey tells him that Apollo is ready for him (if he continues using his right) and so towards the end of the round, he does indeed lead with his left. The real reason for this is Sylvester Stallone tore his pectoral muscles in training, but the ide…
Honors
Rocky Balboa was named the 7th greatest movie hero by the American Film Institute on their 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains list. Additionally, he was ranked No. 36 on Empire Magazine's compilation of The 100 Greatest Movie Characters. Premiere magazine ranked Rocky Balboa No. 64 on their list of The 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.
The Rocky character is immortalised with a bronze statue erected near the Rocky Steps in Philad…
Merchandising
Hasbro intended to license Rocky and make him a member of the G.I. Joe toyline, as they had with wrestler Sgt. Slaughter and began negotiations with Stallone's representation. Marvel Comics' G.I. Joe: Order of Battle profile book came out during the negotiations and included Rocky as a current Joe member, specializing in hand-to-hand combat training and an example of what it means to persevere under seemingly impossible odds. Balboa also appeared on the cover of the issue. In …