Original subtitles

...a sharp left hand.

Come on. Come on!

Again! Again!

He's getting killed!

No, he's not getting killed, he's getting mad.

Whole world's watching. Knock me out!

Come on, knock me out!

No!

Again, come on, champ. You ain't so bad.

Rocky!

Come on, come on.

Come on, come on.

Come on, come on.

...five, six, seven,

eight, nine, ten.

You're out!

- Come on, we made a deal. - I know, but this is extremely crazy.

It's mentally irregular, right?

But it makes sense. You owe me a favor.

I know, but when did you think of this?

About three years ago.

This is very crazy, Apollo.

Look, Stallion.

When you won that last fight, you won by one second.

You beat me by one second. That's hard for a man of my intelligence to handle.

Is it? Didn't you say you learned how to live with it?

- I lied. - Oh, you lied!

So now you just gotta prove it to yourself?

Just for myself. No TV, no newspapers, just you and me.

Nothing. Just you and me. Age before beauty.

Anything you say.

I do all the work. Okay.

You better go slow, because you ain't as young as springtime no more.

I'm still young enough to whip your butt.

Oh, yeah? How will you do that? You taught me everything you know.

Almost everything.

Remember, you fight great, but I'm a great fighter. Ready?

- Oh, absolutely. - All right.

You know, Stallion,

it's too bad we gotta get old, huh?

Just keep punching, Apollo.

Want to ring the bell?

All right.

Ding, ding.

Come on, Stallion.

Come on, come on.

Boy, you really move good for an older guy.

- You can fly. - Look out, now.

No, no, you don't want any of this.

Come on. Come on.

Maybe I'm in here with the wrong guy.

Dad, you're late!

Mom's gonna yell at you.

- So how you doing? - Fine.

Don't you think that's a little bright, don't you think?

A little bit?

Where'd you get that hat?

A friend gave it to me. Like it?

Who punched you in the eye?

Same friend.

That's weird. Better hurry, Dad.

You're developing a very, very loud personality.

Don't go too fast or you're gonna get out of focus.

Oh, really?

Yo!

- Yo, it's about time. - I'm sorry I'm late.

Hey, listen. Go over there and get ready to eat, okay?

Great, you're here. Now you can stop calling him names.

You've been calling me names, huh?

We wait any longer, then I'll be ready for the next birthday.

Where have you been?

Out getting punched.

Why don't you bring the cake? We can get the celebration underway.

Boy, am I hungry.

Babe, get the cake. He'll love it.

We got a great surprise. You're gonna love this cake.

- You're gonna love your present. - Where is it?

Let me set the mood. I gotta turn the lights down.

Watch this.

It's parked in the driveway?

Just be patient, would you?

I'm so excited, I'm starting to sweat.

I feel like I'm getting ready to go into a big fight.

Happy birthday, Paulie.

What the hell is this?

Your present.

Yo, I wanted a sports car, not no walking trash can.

- He looks great. - This is extremely psycho.

You don't have friends, so we thought you'd like it.

Pretend you're happy, will you? It'll keep you company.

Great-looking guy.

Please make a wish.

It's creepy. That talks!

Creepy? I wish I had one when I was growing up.

Go on, make a wish.

I wish I wasn't in this nightmare.

A very classy wish. Very nice.

What do you think?

Very good, huh?

Want to help me put out this forest fire?

Sure.

On the count of three.

One.

Two.

Three.

Well, they're out!

You drowneded me.

Oh, don't worry. I'll clean it up for you, Paulie.

Rocky.

You noticed.

What are you doing with that cake?

Well, the party ain't over yet, you know?

Still gotta celebrate some more. It's a special night.

Yeah, it's Wednesday.

It's definitely Wednesday but in case you forgot,

it's almost been nine years since you been married to me...

so here's your prize.

But our anniversary's a week away.

That's true, but why wait?

- Has it been that rough? - No.

I'll tell you, it's been excellent, really.

Open your prize. Go on, open your prize.

Okay.

You like it?

- It's beautiful. - All right!

I was so nervous. I didn't know.

I hope you like it.

The guy I bought it from says:

"Even if it looks like a snake, don't worry, because it won't bite you."

Oh, it's beautiful.

You know what's amazing?

That after all these years, everything still seems kind of new.

Remember a long time ago, I told you that...

I said that you ain't never getting rid of me. Remember that?

Well, you're not.

You're never getting rid of me.

Happy almost anniversary.

Could you answer a few questions?

How long are you here for?

We talk later, please.

When will you fight, Drago?

We talk later. Let's go.

Is it definite that the Soviet Union will enter professional boxing?

No more talk now. We'll talk at press conference.

Do you know where it's gonna be held?

We talk later, please.

Today may prove to be a landmark in sports history.

After unraveling years of red tape

Russia will throw its hat into the ring.

The prize ring, that is.

The introductions were made by his wife, Ludmilla Vobet Drago.

She was the double gold medalist in swimming.

Today, the Soviet Union has officially entered professional boxing.

My husband and great undefeated heavyweight world amateur champion,

Captain Ivan Drago,

has come with his trainers to America

to compete as an international sportsman and ambassador of goodwill.

Has Drago ever boxed against a real professional?

Having been trained in Russia by great boxing coach, Manuel Vega,

and now by Sergei Rimsky, we hope he's qualified to do so.

Hope?

Well, I know he is, but I don't want to sound too confident.

If possible, we would like to have

an exhibition bout with your famous champion Rocky Balboa.

What makes you think he can fight someone as seasoned as Balboa?

No one can match his strength, his endurance, or his aggressiveness.

You make it sound like he's indestructible.

Yes, he is.

Can this mammoth Russian, who's been nicknamed the "Siberian Express,"

wreak havoc among the professional heavyweight ranks?

Whoever he fights first, it'll be one hot ticket.

We'll be back with a check on today's pro football scoreboard.

Dad, when can I learn to fight?

I can't hear you. What?

I want to learn to fight.

Yo, could you turn your robot down?

You see, I fight so you don't have to fight.

Because I want you to use your head for something

instead of a punching bag, like I do.

Your head doesn't look like a punching bag.

No? That's nice. Thanks a lot.

It looks like a catcher's mitt.

Oh, a wise guy, huh?

Mr. Balboa, Mr. Creed's on the phone.

- Yeah? I'll be right there. - You can get it right here.

I hope it's not another rematch.

Oh, don't worry about it.

Okay. Hello? Yeah, Apollo.

Turn that down. Hey, Apollo, how you doing?

Yeah? You coming out?

Hey, that's great. What am I doing?

I'm just getting dizzy.

My husband and I thank you for coming to our training quarter today.

As you can see, it is highly advanced

and we wish to show the American press

a small portion of the advances our country's made

in the technology of human performance.

Coach Rimsky, what does all this do to enhance performance?

- Well... - If I may answer.

It makes a man a better man

a great athlete, a super athlete by harnessing all his strength.

Though most of the world is ignorant in body chemistry,

we wish to...

educate your country.

There have been rumors of blood doping

and widespread distribution of anabolic steroids in the Soviet Union.

Has Drago partaken in any such experiments?

No, no. Ivan is naturally trained.

Then how do you explain his freakish strength?

Like your Popeye, he ate his spinach every day.

Shall we have a demonstration?

- Please do. - Thank you.

A normal heavyweight averages 700 pounds of pressure per square inch.

As you can see, Drago averages 1850 pounds.

So the result's quite obvious.

And what results are those?

Whatever he hits, he destroys.

I've seen Drago fight when he was an amateur.

He's big and he's strong, but he's clumsy. I know I can beat him.

Why do you want to fight again?

Let's just say it's something I believe in.

- You can do your homework. - Okay. Later, Dad.

Later, Uncle Paulie. Later, Apollo.

- Later, big man. - See you later, kiddo.

Don't you think people expect to see Rocky whack this bum out first?

Yeah, yeah. And he will, when it's for real.

This is just an exhibition bout. Kid stuff.

What's the purpose? What, at this point, is worth getting hurt for?

What the hell is that?

That's my girl.

- Thanks, honey. - You're welcome.

That's a nice song.

It's my favorite. You're the greatest.

See you, sport.

See you.

Paulie, who taught it to talk like that?

She loves me.

Like I was saying...

I don't want this chump coming here with all that hype

trying to make us look bad. They try every other way.

With Rock's help, we'll get media coverage.

Make them look bad for a change.

I think it's wrong.

No. It's never been more right.

You're a great fighter, but you've been retired for five years.

Don't you think it's time to think about something else?

I mean, how much can you take?

Either of you?

I'll get the coffee.

Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...

I just care about you both.

You ever try these comics?

No, no.

Keeps your fertility.

Hey, Paulie.

...the ring now.

Rocky's holding that right hand up and he's...

Now, this was a great fight.

Yeah, great, huh? I'm getting punchy just watching it. Look!

What you using for a chin, Stallion?

- I should have slipped that one. - Definitely should've slipped that.

Ain't it something, Stallion?

It's crazy how people care about you in that ring, and when you're bleeding.

But once you step out of that ring, you're ancient history.

You ain't ancient history.

I don't see anybody asking for autographs. Do you?

Hey, Apollo. Can I ask you something?

What?

This fight you're having against the Russian,

do you think maybe it ain't against him?

If it's not him, Stallion, then who's it against?

Well, do think maybe it's like, you against you? What do you think?

I think you really are getting brain-damaged.

- That's what I think, Stallion. - Yeah, maybe.

Hey, really, I'm speaking the truth here, Apollo.

- Are you? - Yeah.

I don't want to hear this, Stallion.

Come on. Hey, Apollo, look

you were a great fighter, no doubt about that.

But, look, we gotta face the facts too.

You don't want to believe it, but the show's over.

Man, that's easy for you to say. You're still on top.

What happens when you're not on top? Then what, huh?

Where do we go, Stallion?

Because we sure as hell can't be born again.

No, we can't be born again,

but let's face it, we gotta change sometime.

I don't want to change. I like who I am.

I like who you are too, but look at that.

You don't want to believe it, but that ain't us up there no more.

We can't do that the way we did it before. We're changing.

We're, like, turning into regular people.

No, Stallion. Maybe you think you're changing.

But you can't change what you really are.

You can forget all this money and stuff. It don't change a thing.

You and me, we don't even have a choice.

We're born with a killer instinct

that you can't just turn off and on like some radio.

We have to be in the middle of the action because we're warriors.

Without some challenge, without some damn war to fight,

then the warrior may as well be dead, Stallion.

So I'm asking you...

as a friend.

Stand by my side this one last time.

You're a great talker, Apollo.

All right, but when this is over?

You know me, Stallion.

I always think of something else.

That's what I'm afraid of. All right, you got a deal there.

I feel sorry for that guy.

What made you decide to put on an exhibition fight with Drago?

Let's call it a sense of responsibility.

Responsibility? How?

I had to teach this young fellow to box, American style.

Apollo, isn't Drago a little inexperienced to be in the same ring?

Well, you know, some folks got to learn the hard way.

No quick knockout predictions?

No, I'm not angry with him.

I just want to show the whole world

that Russia doesn't have all the best athletes.

Rocky, how do you think Apollo should fight Drago?

Personally, I think the first thing you better get Apollo is a ladder.

Drago, how does it feel to spar with the great former champion?

The man's tongue didn't come through customs.

My husband is very happy to have this opportunity.

It's his dream.

Dream? How do you mean?

In our country, Apollo Creed is well-known and very respected.

It could be a good victory.

Hey, wait a minute now. Wait a minute. Win?

You don't really think you're going to whip me, do you?

He didn't come here to lose.

Hold on, little lady. You hold on.

Because lose and lose royally, he's gonna do.

How can you be so sure?

I've been with the best and I've beat the best.

I've retired more men than Social Security.

Excuse, please. You are not very realistic, are you, Mr. Creed?

Where did you come from? What you talking about?

You can box, but you are too old to think that you can win over Drago.

- Is that a fact? - Yes, and it could be a painful one.

Put him in the ring with me and you'll see the meaning of pain.

Why do you insult us?

Now you just hold on here.

I'm not the bad guy. I came here for a friendly exhibition bout

till "Comrade Bigmouth" started up.

It is you who are the aggressor. This is obvious.

I wish to say to the press, in all fairness,

Drago should not fight this man

because he is a has-been.

You get that big chump in the ring right now.

- Bring it on. - Stop, you'll get hurt.

Just let that chump go.

All right, all right.

I said what I feel.

We'll finish this in the ring.

Wherever you like.

You shut up, and all these puppets you brought.

You're history, chump. You're history!

- How did I do? - A little loud for me.

- But good? - Oh, yeah. Very good.

Welcome one and all, to the City of Lights, Las Vegas

and to one of the most unusual events in years. East meets West.

Age vs. Youth in a goodwill exhibition match

as the former champion Apollo Creed

takes on a mountain of muscle from the Soviet Union, Ivan Drago.

- Come on, man. - Patience is a virtue.

I'm ready to rock and roll.

I understand, but you gotta get your equipment here. There you go.

Now you look like a mummy.

- I feel like a mummy. - How does it feel? Okay?

Great. I feel like I could eat nails.

I never tried them things.

What are you talking about?

Snails. I see them in the garden, but I never wanted to eat them.

I didn't say anything about snails. I said "nails."

Nails!

Well, you know, you look pretty good.

But do me a favor when you go up there, Apollo.

Try not to wear yourself out, okay?

Yeah, wear myself out. Sure.

You ain't been in the ring for, like, five years,

so I just want you to maintain...

What? I'm not an old man.

I'm in the best shape of my life. Stronger, quicker.

Well, hey, I'm not saying you're not ready or anything.

But personally, if it were me, I would postpone it a couple weeks.

- Postpone? - Yeah, I mean...

Come on, Apollo. We don't know anything about this guy, really.

Look, okay, okay. Let's say I postpone, right?

- Yeah. - I pull out, somebody else whips him.

Where does that leave me?

What do you mean?

It's an exhibition fight. It don't mean nothing.

No, no, no, man. That's where you're wrong.

It's not just an exhibition fight that doesn't mean anything.

This is us against them. What are you talking about?

Stallion...

Maybe you don't know what I'm talking about now,

but you will when it's over.

Believe me, you will when it's over.

Ivan!

Good luck. I hope after we can be friends.

I hope so.

Of course, they're sportsmen, not soldiers.

Enjoy the fight.

I feel good!

Good evening. With Warner Wolf, I'm Stu Nahan

and we welcome you to a most unusual event.

For the first time ever, West against East in professional sports.

Thanks for getting me here, Stallion. I owe you one.

No, no. We're even.

God, I feel born again.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.

I would like to announce the presence of a true fighting champion

that defines the word "courage."

The Italian Stallion, Rocky Balboa!

Excuse me, would you?

Certainly.

Rocky!

Tonight's special event features two great athletes.

In the blue corner, weighing 221 pounds,

a former heavyweight champion of the world,

the Dancing Destroyer,

- the King of Sting... - All right!

...the Count of Monte Fisto...

You got enough names?

Be patient, Stallion. We're almost done.

...the Master of Disaster, the one and only Apollo Creed!

The crowd anticipating a great fight as Apollo is in the ring.

He's playing to the crowd.

In the red corner, weighing an even 261 pounds,

gold medalist and undefeated world amateur champion

from the Soviet Union...

the Siberian Bull,

Ivan Drago!

I want you!

I want you! I want you!

Now the fighters come to the center of the ring

for the instructions from referee Lou Fillipo.

You boys know the rules.

Watch your low blows, kidney punches, rabbit punches.

In case of a knockdown, you go to the corner

and stay there until I tell you to come out.

Shake hands, let's have a good fight.

All right, it's time to go to school, son.

Get your hands up. You need an interpreter?

It's time to go to school!

You will lose.

Why don't you land him on his head?

All right!

The bad blood between these two can be felt all over.

I can't get over the size of this Russian.

Apollo! Apollo! Apollo!

Get ready, it's showtime!

It's showtime! It's showtime!

Excuse me. Didn't you forget something?

Come on.

Apollo seems to be in great spirits tonight.

He's really putting on a show for this capacity crowd.

Be back in a minute.

Round one.

Creed's dancing around.

Creed backpedaling now. He's been away five years.

Don't wait on him. Get on first.

Come on! He may be big enough,

- but you are mean! - Come on.

Come on, chump.

Neither fighter ready to punch.

A left jab there. A left jab once again by Creed.

And a slip! A slip by Creed.

This is bizarre.

Creed is over the hill, and the Russian hasn't fought anybody.

Keep him bottled! Keep your chin down.

Keep moving, Apollo. Stick him.

Drago's moving in again.

Another left hand by Creed as Drago moves away.

All right, come on.

Get your hands up! Get your hands up!

Another left hand by Creed.

Drago waiting, waiting, cocking that right hand.

Crushing right by the Russian.

Get out of there!

Stay away from him. Get out of there!

And a left hand. He's taking some punishment now.

Drago moves him against the ropes.

Tie him up, now.

Left hand ties him up.

And now the Russian throws Creed across the ring.

- Move! - He comes in with more punishment.

It is Drago who has the upper hand. Drago with a left to the midsection.

Get out of that corner!

Drago with another right hand. Another right.

Another right hand thrown by Drago.

- Can Creed stay up? - Apollo!

Creed... Creed is against the ropes.

They step in and they stop it.

What are you guys doing?

This is supposed to be an exhibition. You understand?

An exhibition!

A tremendous end to the first round by the Russian.

And a very bloody Apollo Creed.

The Soviet's strength is incredible.

Champ, look. I gotta stop it.

This fight's finished. I gotta call it.

Look, champ, you can't do no more.

I'm here to fight.

He's killing you. I gotta stop it.

I'm here to fight. Promise me you won't stop this fight.

That was a pulverizing round for the ex-champion.

Hey, folks, Ivan Drago is definitely for real.

Apollo! Apollo!

You don't stop this fight, no matter what.

No matter what.

Creed now comes out for round two, dancing around.

The legs appear to be still a little rubbery.

Get your hands up there.

Hands up.

And now it is the Russian just standing there.

The Russian trying to intimidate Creed.

Russian throws a right hand, staggers Creed!

Another right to the jaw! Another right to the head!

Get out of the corner!

Creed is being pounded without mercy.

Stop the fight!

The referee tries to step in and he's thrown across the ring!

Throw the towel! Throw the towel!

No.

I've never seen Apollo take so much punishment.

Throw the damn towel.

No.

No!

My God!

Creed is down.

Apollo is down, and he could be badly hurt.

Let him breathe!

- Move back! - Get these guys out of here!

The winner, Ivan Drago.

Let me through. Apollo!

I cannot be defeated.

- Is he okay? - Somebody get a doctor!

There is no movement by Creed.

Get that light off him!

I defeat all man.

- Is he dead? - Get out!

It's absolute pandemonium.

Stand back.

Let him breathe. Come on, Apollo.

You can do it.

Soon, I defeat the real champion.

- Where's the stretcher? - Send for a doctor.

Let him breathe!

What started out as a joke has turned out to be a disaster.

He appears to be in serious condition.

Is the man alive?

You'll make it, Apollo.

If he dies, he dies.

There's a lot I could say about this man.

I don't know if it matters now.

I guess what matters is...

what he stood for...

what he lived for...

and what he died for.

You always did everything...

the way you wanted it.

I know I didn't understand that...

but now I understand.

I'll never forget you, Apollo.

You're the best.

Rocky, is the decision final?

Yes.

Is this the first time the champion has given up his crown?

I don't know about that.

Doesn't the title mean anything to you anymore?

Not until this is over.

Coach Rimsky, considering Rocky's known punching power,

do you still think this will be an easy fight?

Of course. It's a matter of science.

Evolution. Isn't it, gentlemen?

Drago is the most perfectly trained athlete ever.

This other man has not the size or the endurance

or the genetics to win.

It's physically impossible for this little man to win.

Drago is a look at the future.

There's been no mention of it yet, but how much are you making for this fight?

No money.

It's not about money.

Has the fight date been set yet?

December 25th.

Why Christmas?

- That's what I was told. - Where?

It's in Russia.

Are you nuts?

- Rocky, what's going on? - Why did you agree to this?

We fight in Soviet Union or we fight nowhere.

Why don't you ask Drago's wife why she is afraid? Tell them, please.

I'm afraid for my husband's life. We have threats of violence everywhere.

We are not in politics.

All I want is for my husband to be safe, to be treated fairly.

You call him a killer.

He's a professional fighter, not a killer.

You have this belief that you are better than us.

You have this belief that this country is so very good and we so very bad.

You have this belief that you are so fair and we are so very cruel.

It's all lies and false propaganda

to support this antagonistic and violent government.

Oh, violent?

We don't keep our people behind a wall with machine guns.

- Who are you? - Who am I?

I'm the unsilent majority, bigmouth.

Good. Yes, good.

Insult us.

It's more typical rude behavior toward visiting foreigners.

But perhaps this simple defeat of this little so-called champion

will be a perfect example

of how pathetically weak your society has become.

We go!

Rocky, can you tell us about the training program?

Mrs. Balboa. Mrs. Balboa.

How do you feel about going to Russia?

How is it to be a part of such a controversial decision?

Adrian. Adrian.

Did Creed's death make up his mind?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Why is he going at Christmas?

Was it his decision?

When will you be going to Russia?

I'm not going to Russia. I don't know what you're talking about.

I don't know why you're here. I don't know what you're doing here.

Was it his decision?

- Mrs. Balboa! - Mrs. Balboa!

- Mrs. Balboa! - Mrs. Balboa!

Rocky?

Yeah?

You all right?

Yeah.

Fine.

Why did you do it?

I just gotta do what I gotta do.

You don't have to do anything.

No, Adrian, I do and...

I gotta leave this place too.

So where are you going?

They said they were gonna let me train in Russia...

and I just want to go someplace

where I ain't gonna think about nothing except him.

Give it some time. Don't do this. A lot of people live with hurt.

A lot of people don't have a choice. I do.

And for that, you're willing to lose everything?

Adrian, this ain't everything.

This house and the cars and all the stuff we got,

that ain't everything.

There's a lot more than this, Adrian.

Before there were reasons to fight I could understand,

but I don't understand this.

Even if you win, what have you won? Apollo's still gone.

Why can't you change your thinking? Everybody else does.

Because I'm a fighter.

That's the way I'm made, Adrian.

That's what you married.

We can't change what we are.

Yes, you can.

You can't change anything, all we can do is go with what we are.

You can't go with what you are. Have you read the papers?

Do you know what everybody says?

It's suicide.

You've seen him, you know how strong he is.

You can't win!

Oh, Adrian.

Adrian always tells the truth.

No, maybe I can't win.

Maybe the only thing I can do...

is just take everything he's got.

But to beat me,

he's gonna have to kill me.

And to kill me...

he's gonna have to have the heart to stand in front of me.

And to do that...

he's gotta be willing to die himself.

I don't know if he's ready to do that.

I don't know.

I don't know.

Be careful with those plaid ones. They belong to the boss.

Paulie, did you pack your toothbrush? You know tobacco stains your teeth.

If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.

Hey, stop busting my chops.

Paulie.

I'm gonna have her wires tied when I get back.

When will you be back?

Oh, pretty soon.

Are you scared?

- No. - Yes, you are.

A little, maybe?

Well, wouldn't you be?

If a big giant man wanted to beat me up, I'd be real scared.

Well, the truth is, you know, sometimes...

I do get a little scared.

When I'm in that ring and I'm really getting hit on,

and my arms hurt so much I can't even lift them,

and I'm thinking, "God, I wish this guy would hit me on the chin

so I don't feel nothing anymore."

Then there's another side that comes out that isn't so scared.

There's another side that...

wants to take more,

that wants to go that one more round,

because by going that one more round when you don't think you can...

it's what makes all the difference in your life.

Do you know what I mean?

I want you to remember one more thing.

Remember that Daddy thinks you're the best boy in the world.

That Daddy loves you, no matter what.

I gotta go now.

You gonna take care of everything?

Okay.

And don't forget to feed your robot.

Bye, baby.

Good luck.

Thanks.

Come on, the meter's running.

What a horrendous flight.

This is Russia? It don't look so tough, Rock.

Mr. Balboa.

We take you to quarters now.

Hey, when does the sun come up? This is detrimental to my sinuses.

Weather changes hour to hour. Get used to it.

Get in car now.

We have very long trip.

- Sounds like Dracula's cousin. - Come on, Paulie.

Like you request, yes?

- You requested this dumb location? - Yeah.

Why? You planning to grow reindeer or something?

I just wanted to get away from things.

The equipment you requested

is in barn.

- Who are they? - They?

They are assigned to you.

Official chaperons, yes?

Where you go, they go.

I have a bad dream here.

- Paulie, it's okay. - It's okay?

This is below human standards. There's no antennas. You gotta complain.

We'll crack out here.

You have everything I have been instructed to provide.

We are finished, yes?

No sparring?

I don't think I need it anymore, Paulie.

No sparring, no TV, nothing?

How the heck is he supposed to train around here?

No TV. What about the Rose Bowl game?

No room service, I bet. I hope they got my comics here.

What a depressing vacation.

Goddamn.

Checkmate, friend.

- Yeah? - Hey, champ, can I come up?

Yeah, sure.

How you doing?

Pretty good.

Some kind of weather we having, huh?

Yeah, it's pretty rough.

But for what you gotta do, it's good.

Toughen you up.

I guess so.

I know you're gonna have to do everything alone up here,

- but you know I'll be with you. - Yeah, I know.

Apollo was like my son.

I raised him.

When he died,

a part of me died.

But now,

you're the one.

You're the one that's gonna keep his spirit alive.

You're the one that's gonna make sure that he didn't die for nothing.

You're gonna have to go through hell.

Worse than any nightmare that you ever dreamed.

But in the end...

I know you'll be the one standing.

I'll try.

I'll try.

You know what you gotta do.

Do it.

Do it.

Thanks, Duke.

I couldn't stay away anymore.

I missed you.

I missed you.

I'm with you, no matter what.

No matter what?

No matter what.

No pain.

No pain.

No pain. No pain.

Drago!

Drago!

Drago!

Hello, everybody, and Merry Christmas from a very unusual place.

We're in Moscow in the Soviet Union.

I'm Barry Tompkins with Al Bandiero.

This promises to be the most watched event in boxing history.

The Iron Horse from America, Rocky Balboa.

Ivan Drago.

Since that tragedy in Las Vegas and the death of Apollo Creed,

he's been re-nicknamed, "Death From Above."

Drago!

High above us, the General Secretary of the Soviet

and other members of the Politburo have made their way to their seats

high above the ring here in Moscow.

I know you're kind of busy just now,

but I want to tell you some things I never told you.

I know sometimes I act stupid and I say stupid things.

You kept me around when other people would have said, "Drop that bum."

You give me respect.

It's hard for me to say these things, because that ain't my way.

But if I could just unzip myself and step out and be someone else,

I'd want to be you.

You're all heart, Rock.

Thanks, Paulie.

Now blast this guy's teeth out!

I'll try.

Right now, one of the fighters is starting to make his way toward the ring.

Listen to this crowd!

We knew he wouldn't be popular, but this is hatred.

Rocky's face, absolutely like stone.

He is a picture of concentration.

The booing crowd here does not seem to bother him one bit.

He has a look tonight that can burn through lead.

The booing crowd has absolutely no effect on the man.

His concentration seems to be like stone.

That's my dad.

- We know. - What do you think we are? Nerds?

Listen to this crowd. It sounds insane.

And now the entrance of the Russian national champion.

Ivan Drago, a man with an entire country in his corner.

Look at the expression on the face of Ivan Drago.

He seems impervious to this madness of the crowd.

He's like a volcano just waiting to erupt.

The Russian champion is amazingly cool, as he acknowledges his premier.

I would like to point out again, this is a non-sanctioned fight.

This is not for the title.

The American Boxing Commission has not sanctioned this bout.

Ladies and gentlemen.

It's unbelievable. I have never, in all my years of reporting,

seen such a hostile crowd.

They are screaming and roaring for their champion.

The two men are walking toward the center of the ring.

It's an unbelievable sight to see.

They're toe to toe.

The Russian towers above the American.

It's a true case of David and Goliath here.

It's unbelievable, the condition of both men,

but the Russian champion...

I must break you.

Remember what I said about wanting to be you?

Yeah.

Forget it.

Thanks, Paul.

Drago! Drago! Drago! Drago! Drago! Drago! Drago!

Take it straight to him.

Take it straight to him and be a rock for me!

Be a rock for me, be strong!

All right? Take it to him!

- No pain. No pain. - No pain. No pain.

No pain. All right, run to him!

There's the bell. Rocky comes down to the center of the ring.

But the Russian, back into Balboa's corner now!

Just grab him! Grab him! Grab him!

- Get out of there! - Spit him out.

- Let's go! - Get out of there!

Balboa gets out of the corner.

And now it's Drago backing Rocky Balboa up with a jab.

And Balboa is not staying on balance because of the long jab of the Russian.

Brace yourself! Brace yourself!

Come on, get up!

Hands up!

- Charge him! - Now!

He can't seem to touch the Russian!

Rocky pounding away at the midsection of the Russian.

He's just hitting with everything he's got!

And Drago just smiled at him.

- Keep jabbing away! - Chop him down!

Chop him down!

Stick it to him! Now, Rocky!

Come on, Rock!

Rocky Balboa is in serious trouble.

They might have to stop this before somebody gets killed.

Reach and grab him! Reach and grab him!

The Russian is pounding away at the American.

Rocky's hurt. He woke the sleeping giant and now he's paying for it.

A right hand from Drago sends Rocky 1 5 feet across the ring!

And the champ is down.

Get up!

Get up!

Come on, get up!

Hands up!

Hands up!

Tie him up!

Drago continuing to punish Rocky Balboa.

He won't let him out of that corner.

And Rocky Balboa is just trying to get through this first round.

The Russian just threw Rocky Balboa into his own corner like a rag doll.

What a tough first 3 minutes for Rocky.

He's not only fighting what appears to be an invincible opponent,

he's also fighting a very hostile crowd

and the Russian premier and most of the Politburo looking on.

What's happening out there?

He's winning.

I see three of him out there.

Hit the one in the middle.

Right! Hit the one in the middle.

- Yeah. - Okay.

Take his heart. Hurt him and take his heart.

- No pain. - No pain.

- No pain. - Take his heart.

Keep working! Keep working!

There's the bell. It's been a one-sided fight so far.

It'll take more than luck for Rocky to survive. He's been hit with bombs.

Slip him a hook, Rock! Slip him a hook.

Rocky Balboa trying to stay in the ring against the big Russian.

Move the hands! That a baby.

Do what you gotta do! Stay with him.

- Go for it! - Go for it!

For all intents, Rocky should be all finished by now.

But he's fighting back ferociously.

- Rocky! - Up, Rock! Get up!

And Balboa goes down again from a right hand. Bounces right back up.

He's getting killed.

Rocky Balboa has taken Ivan Drago's best punches so far.

He's cut and he's bleeding, but he's on his feet and on the run.

Hold on! Hold on!

He's cut! He's cut!

- The Russian's cut! - And it's a bad cut!

And now it's Rocky Balboa coming after Ivan Drago!

Yes!

Incredible! Get him!

The Russian wants to go on!

He grabs Rocky by the throat.

Balboa picking up the Russian and throws him in the ground like a wrestler.

It's a gutter war. No holds barred in Moscow!

Rocky may be on the receiving end so far, but he's here to fight.

This is shaping up to be a personal war,

and right now, it's anybody's boxing match.

You're doing good. I couldn't do better myself.

Thanks.

- You got him hurt bad. - Yeah?

Now he's worried. You cut him.

You hurt him.

You see, you see? He's not a machine! He's a man!

You want it more than he does!

- No pain. No pain. - No pain.

- No pain. No pain. - No pain.

Okay, take it to him. Take it to him. Take it to him.

Get up!

Balboa's down!

It's all right.

And a good right hand by Rocky!

Come on, come on!

Rocky's got him now!

You're doing fine. You've come a mighty long way.

Crush him!

Now!

- Keep going! - Go, go!

Punch him!

Come on!

A few cheers now for Rocky Balboa!

Rocky!

Suddenly, Moscow is pro-Rocky!

No pain. No pain.

Keep taking it to him, you understand?

Take his heart. No pain.

I'll tell you, Al, this place is ready to explode.

Lethal punch after punch. Amazing willpower.

Neither man backing off,

Rocky Balboa's determination

is actually beginning to win over what was once a hostile crowd.

This is incredible.

- What round is it? - Fifteen. One more round.

There's no stopping us now. This is our round.

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

No stopping now! We start and we don't stop!

All your strength! All your power! All your love!

Everything you've got!

You gotta knock him out.

You gotta punch and punch till you can't punch no more!

This is your whole life here!

Knock him out, Rocko.

Do it now! Now!

There's the bell. The war is on.

This is the last round.

To the end.

Which one of these fighters will be standing at the end of this round?

Drago snaps out a stiff jab. And another!

Come on.

Another! Rocky taking punishment! Trying to get inside!

He's completely exhausted.

- Come on, Rock! - Fight!

What are you waiting for?

Fight!

Fight!

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

Hit him!

Hit him!

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

Come on. Fight!

Balboa is chopping the Russian down!

Downstairs now!

Balboa throws combinations of punches at the Russian.

And Drago throws a hard right hand that stuns Rocky Balboa!

Don't go down!

- Don't go down! - Get away!

Forget technique, forget strategy. This is just a street fight.

It's a question of who wants it most.

- What is he doing? - He's winning!

To the body! To the body!

- Come on! - Rock!

Break his head!

Rocko, knock his head off!

Come on! Finish him!

Don't stop!

Don't stop!

You're gonna do it!

Four!

Six!

Rocky Balboa has done the impossible!

And these people love him!

It is absolute pandemonium!

More than ever, Rocky has proven himself a true champion!

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!

Rocky! Rocky!

Thank you. Thank you.

I came here tonight

and I didn't know what to expect.

I'd seen a lot of people hating me,

and I didn't know what to feel about that,

so I guess I didn't like you much none either.

During this fight...

I seen a lot of changing.

The way you felt about me,

and the way I felt about you.

In here there were two guys...

killing each other.

But I guess that's better than 20 million.

But what I was trying to say is...

that if I can change...

and you can change...

everybody can change!

I just want to say one thing to my kid

who should be home sleeping. Merry Christmas, kid!

I love you!

I love you.