As long as ‘Rocky Balboa’ was fighting an ‘Apollo Creed’ or ‘Ivan Drago,’ things were fine. But what happens if ‘Rocky’ starts haranguing about the state of boxing from the comfort of the stage ring? Wouldn’t that be stretching the imagination too far – or perhaps stepping out of line? Maybe that’s what bothered Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney.

After a year-long hiatus following his acerbic clash with Ryan Garcia, Haney is preparing for a comeback on a Riyadh Season card slated for May. According to reports, Haney will face former unified champion Jose Ramirez. Interestingly, Garcia will also feature on the same card, taking on Rolando Romero. The chances of both Haney and Garcia reuniting for a rematch reportedly depend on the outcomes of their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Sylvester Stallone‘s inadvertent comparison to past boxing eras apparently irked the former undisputed champion. Admittedly, very few people appreciate comparisons – especially boxers. Drawing parallels to the past remains a touchy subject.

“Dude doesn’t know a left hook from a fish hook… & got the nerve to speak on times being easier in boxing like he wasn’t just an actor… buddy, them Rocky movies weren’t real,” tweeted Devin Haney. The tirade stemmed from a clip in which Sylvester Stallone discussed the current state of boxing and how times have changed, making life easier than it used to be.

Holding a pair of light, red-colored boxing gloves, Sylvester Stallone said, “They don’t even allow these today. They don’t even allow these today because they’re so dangerous. But that’s what they used when I did the film. They’re barely six ounces; they’re Reyes, and they’re very lethal.” Remember, the first ‘Rocky’ film was released in 1976. Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Ken Norton, and many others defined that era.

Stallone explained that he held onto such memorabilia because it represented a time when people were tougher. Perhaps the statement was a bit strong, which is why the Hollywood legend delivered it somewhat apologetically. According to him, while life is becoming more comfortable every day, this comfort has eroded the basic toughness needed to tackle hardships.

Sylvester Stallone: In an era of fewer conveniences but greater struggles

“They are not supposed to have wheels on their suitcases. They’re not supposed to have lawn mowers with engines that pull them along,” the ‘Rocky’ and ‘Rambo’ series creator lamented. His concerns extended to the modern era, where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing every aspect of life. “So I cherish these moments. I cherish hard work even though I hate it. I know it’s like strong medicines; it tastes horrible going down, but it makes you feel better,” said Sylvester Stallone.

The points made by both the screen boxer and the real-life boxer will have supporters and critics. Life used to be tough, but hasn’t it always been humanity’s goal to make it more comfortable for future generations to avoid unnecessary hardships? On the other hand, these might simply be emotive platitudes from a screen idol. You can take them at face value or reflect on them later – there’s no rush to agree or disagree entirely.

What about you? Do you agree with ‘Sly’ Stallone that life has become much easier now than it used to be before?