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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Rocky… I Mean Sylvester Stallone Will Be Inducted Into The Boxing Hall of Fame. Has Stallone Earned The Induction?

Click Here For "Rocky I" Poster
Sylvester Stallone is among twelve members to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame for his contributions on the "Rocky" film series. By contributions, I'm referring to both writing and starring in the most quintessential underdog story in cinematic history. I'm a huge fan of the "Rocky" films, all except "Rocky V" with Tommy The Gun, and certainly feel Stallone's contributions to the sport are worthy of induction.

The original "Rocky" film came out in 1976 starring an unknown actor in Stallone. I've heard a few media types who are opposed to the induction of Stallone citing the fact that he wasn't a boxer or even a trainer. I don't think anyone can really argue the spotlight that Stallone put on the sport of boxing. Tens of millions have watched the six "Rocky" films, I may account for at least one of those millions, and I'm sure one or two of those viewers were drawn into the sport because of the films. Plus, do any detractors to Stallone's induction really think they could last even a round with the actor. Sure, it was all fictional fight scenes, but Stallone looked pretty impressive taking down Ivan Drago in "Rocky IV". Now if you'll kindly excuse me, I have to go run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

- Fun Fact: "Rocky I" had a production budget of less than 1 million dollars, but earned more than $225 million in box-office receipts.

- Question: Do you think Sylvester Stallone is worthy of induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame?

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4 comments:

  1. Tony McDecember 8, 2010 at 7:38 PM

    I would say he does deserve it. He did a lot of good for the boxing world and brought in people who probably wouldn't ever want to see a fight, including me.
    My wife on the other hand, who is a HUGE boxing fan, thinks its a terrible idea... I can see this causing a few heated debates in my house tonight!

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  2. UnknownDecember 8, 2010 at 7:38 PM

    For sure he deserves it. Rocky was the only reason people watched boxing between the eras of Ali and Tyson. Think about it, without Rocky, what was TRULY memorable about boxing between those two fighters?

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  3. FujiDecember 8, 2010 at 11:36 PM

    I have to admit... before the Tyson/Holyfield era... the only time I watched boxing was when I slipped in Rocky IV into the VHS player. One of my top 50 movies... so Balboa... I mean Stallone... gets my vote.

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  4. Charles @ HoopographyDecember 9, 2010 at 5:58 PM

    I agree with all points above. Good luck Tony with the debate!!!

    @G, Aside from Marvelous Marvin Haggler and Sugar Ray, nothing.

    ReplyDelete