‘I Know I’m Not That Young, but I’m Still Too Young to Die’: Actor Sylvester Stallone’s Life Flashed Before His Eyes, Thanks to Boxing Legend’s Relentless Approach While Filming ‘Rocky’

The sports drama multimedia franchise ‘Rocky’ featured the appearances of a variety of stars. Created by Sylvester Stallone, the Rocky franchise explored the life of the protagonist Rocky Balboa, an Italian boxer living in Philadelphia and chasing the American dream. Whether it be the famous run on the foggy overbridge, the Stallion in the ice box breaking frozen ribs, or the echoing ‘I’m afraid’ line as the waves broke on the shore under the calm and blue sky.

With its estimable story-telling and capturing of spirited life, Rocky remained an unforgettable series in the history of sports films. Hulk Hogan, Tommy Morrison, and Antonio Tarver were among the professionals who were seen alongside Stallone in the Rocky series. In Rocky Balboa (2006), the retired and aged Rocky stepped in the ring one more time. “The stuff in the basement” as he called, was the motivation for this unprecedented appearance in the ring.

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In the last and extremely dramatic fight of his life, Rocky touched gloves with Mason Dixon, aka ‘The Line’. In a next-to-impossible outcome, the 60-year-old slugger went the distance with ‘The Line’. With dedication, Antonio Tarver played the role of Balboa’s opponent in Rocky VI. However, the fact that Mike Tyson repeatedly called Stallone to be the antagonist in the film is little known among fans.

Why Sylvester Stallone refused Mike Tyson a role in Rocky VI

According to Stallone, Tyson relentlessly called him to have a part in the film. In fact, Tyson wanted to square off with Rocky. However, Stallone said he was scared. Although it was only a film, Stallone was afraid of working with Mike. He said, “Mike wanted to fight me in the film but I thought it was a bad idea. I know I’m not that young, but I’m still too young to die”. 

Despite Tyson’s calls, Stallone went on with Tarver for the role of Dixon in the film. For the storyline that Stallone was chasing, he needed a boxer much younger than Mike. The fundamental purpose of having Tarver against him was to represent a conflict between a retired and old boxer and a young pugilist in his prime.

However, Stallone did not entirely disappoint Mike. Although he denied him the role of the antagonist, Stallone offered Tyson a cameo in the film. Prior to the commencing of the final fight, fans saw Tyson outside the ring. He ran into an altercation with ‘The Line’.

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What is your favorite scene from Rocky VI?