Sylvester Stallone Reflects on Iconic Fight Scenes Across Rocky Franchise

Sylvester Stallone, famously known for his portrayal of the resilient Rocky Balboa, turns 68 this weekend, showcasing that age has not dulled his tough guy persona. Stallone, with his enduring physicality, remains a force to be reckoned with both on-screen and off, particularly in the iconic fight scenes that have defined the Rocky franchise.

Throughout the series, Stallone endured grueling injuries, broken bones, and hospital visits due to the realistic and intense nature of the fight sequences he meticulously choreographed to ensure authenticity. Despite the risks, Stallone’s commitment to realism always shone through, with many of the punches and blows captured on film being all too real.

One of Stallone’s memorable opponents, Carl Weathers, who portrayed Apollo Creed, engaged in intense on-screen battles with Stallone as Rocky’s rival turned friend in the first two Rocky films. The intensity of their fights, including the unforgettable brawl in ‘Rocky II,’ left Stallone with severe injuries, as he admitted to truly feeling the impact of the punches both physically and mentally.

Another formidable opponent that Stallone faced was pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan, who played Thunderlips in ‘Rocky III.’ Their exhibition match on screen translated into a painful reality for Stallone, as he recounted the excruciating experience of Hogan’s powerful moves, including a moment where he feared a serious injury to his collarbone.

The Rocky franchise also introduced tough characters like Mr. T, portrayed by Laurence Tureaud, who embodied the relentless Clubber Lang. Stallone’s recollection of working with Mr. T highlighted the physical demands of the role, showcasing the raw and unfiltered energy that characterized the fights in the series.

In ‘Rocky IV,’ Dolph Lundgren brought to life the menacing Ivan Drago, whose deadly encounter with Stallone’s character not only played out dramatically on screen but also resulted in real-life health scares for Stallone. The intensity of the fight scenes led to Stallone being rushed to the hospital due to the severity of the blows he took during filming.

Reflecting on his co-stars’ fighting abilities, Stallone humorously recounted an incident where his brother, Frank Stallone, sparred with Carl Weathers, demonstrating a different side to the tough on-screen persona. With a mix of admiration and jest, Stallone ranked the boxing skills of Lundgren, himself, Mr. T, Paulie, and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), playfully asserting his own prowess in the ring.