Mike Tyson is a well-known figure in the world of professional boxing. Known for his immense power, speed, and ferocity inside the ring, Tyson has left an indelible mark on the sport. With his devastating knockout punches and intimidating presence, Tyson became a global phenomenon. But the pro boxer seemed to have taken inspiration from his preceding boxers, and this is well-proven by Tyson’s shared admiration for legendary boxer, Joe Frazier.
But Tyson felt that Frazier’s iconic boxing career was insulted by Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa statue erected in Philadelphia, the same city where Joe Frazier got settled and took his last breath. Tyson felt that the statue of the fictional boxing character Stallone was of little significance as compared to the real-life boxer, Frazier.
Mike Tyson On Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa Statue
As a testament to the enduring legacy of Rocky Balboa, a bronze statue of Stallone’s character was erected at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1982. The statue, now an iconic landmark, serves as a symbol of resilience and triumph, attracting fans and visitors from all over the world. It stands as a tribute not only to the fictional character of Rocky Balboa but also to Sylvester Stallone’s extraordinary contribution to the franchise and his lasting impact on the world of cinema.
But it looks like the statue failed to impress Mike Tyson much. In an interview, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time shared his thoughts on the statute of fictional boxing characters in a city where once the actual legendary boxer resided. Tyson believed that Frazier’s legacy is deep-rooted in the city, far exceeding the significance of a statue.
“I don’t actually know anything about the situation. But Joe Frazier’s legacy superseded the statue in downtown Philadelphia. That’s very insignificant to his legacy.”
Sylvester Stallone Refused To Do Action Scene With Mike Tyson In Rocky Balboa
Sylvester Stallone shared that avoided the fight scene with Mike Tyson in Rocky Balboa. The Creed star marked that he is still way too young to die at the hands of Tyson. After many requests from the professional boxer, Stallone allowed him to be a part of the audience aside from the ring but still ensured that he won’t enter the ring at any cost.
“Mike wanted to fight me in this film but I thought it was a bad idea. I know I’m not that young, but I’m still too young to die. I said, ‘Thanks, but I don’t think that would be a very good idea. Thank you very much.’ But he kept calling the office saying he wanted to be in the film fighting me. Eventually, I relented and said he could be in the audience. Then I never heard from him. Suddenly, when I turn up in the ring he’s there at the side. I turned around and said to the crew, ‘Can you make sure you keep that son of a b**ch out of the ring? If he gets in he’ll kill me.’ The man’s a killer.”
It looks like Mike Tyson surely acknowledged the acting prowess of Stallone, but still believes that his Rocky Balboa Statue is of little significance in Philadelphia. As the city is still enchanted by the very presence of the legendary boxer, Joe Frazier.
Source: Globalnews Hop; Boxing Scene
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