He has been an inspiration to a generation of boxers and fans. However, it might surprise many that Tommy Hearns found his motivation from an unexpected source. Boxing’s first five-division champion discovered that beacon of hope not in real life but in reel life. Roughly a year before he embarked on his legendary professional career, ‘The Motor City Cobra’ and the world witnessed the release of ‘Rocky’.

From its first installation in 1976, the epic franchise continued till the first decade of the 21st century. It even spawned a successful spin-off series. For many young boxers, ‘Rocky’ has been a catalyst. The story of an underdog running through the streets of Philadelphia, overcoming unforgiving odds, and ultimately achieving his dream resonates with millions of viewers to this day. Tommy Hearns was no exception. The legend penned a few words about the movie and its unforgettable soundtrack that stayed with him throughout his career.

An Eternal Influence

Tommy Hearns shared that he had always been a huge fan of the Sylvester Stallone masterpiece. He especially mentioned the chart-topping original soundtracks of the franchise. Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ from the 1982 release ‘Rocky III’ and, of course, Bill Conti‘s exceptional ‘Gonna Fly Now’ from the first edition.

“When that music came on for my walk to the ring, I was ready to take care of business!” Tommy Hearns said. And why shouldn’t he? Even after so many decades, the scores have remained a boxing staple across the world. Visit any boxing gym, and you’d end up hearing ‘Eye of the Tiger’ playing in the background.

Checkout how the Survivor number bowled over the likes of Anthony Joshua, David Haye, and Ricky Hatton, who incidentally shared Hearns’ nickname, ‘The Hitman’. Then ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, Deontay Wilder, and Vitali Klitschko used to vouch for the mesmerizing power of ‘Gonna Fly Now’.

Undeniably, Sylvester Stallone‘s Rocky’ left an indelible mark not only on cinema but also on the sport of boxing. The film brought boxing closer to mainstream audiences and inspired many to take up the gloves. Hence for his contributions, the Hollywood icon saw the International Boxing Hall of Fame induct him into the Class of 2010 (non-participants).

Like Hearns, Tyson Fury also shares a deep emotional connection with ‘Rocky’. Reviewing boxing movies alongside his wife Paris Fury on ‘The Hook’, Fury said, “My good friend Sylvester Stallone, aka Rocky Balboa, the Italian Stallion. These movies are very inspirational to me as a young fighter, as a man, and as an adult. Grown up all my life watching them… Probably brought more people to boxing than any other movie ever. ”

Tommy Hearns: Chronicles of Celebrated Duels 

Under the guidance of legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, Tommy Hearns began his professional boxing career. At the time, his ring inspiration Muhammad Ali still held the heavyweight title. Over the years, earning a fearsome reputation as one of boxing’s deadliest punchers, ‘The Motor City Cobra’ fought an array of champions. It includes epic clashes with Roberto Duran, whom he knocked down in the second round. He fought ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard twice, losing the first and drawing the second.

Then, of course, who can forget ‘the greatest round in boxing history’ between him and Marvelous Marvin Hagler?

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