“Keep that son of b**ch outside,” Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone denied Mike Tyson from ‘Rocky’ opportunity fearing for own life

The 'Rocky' franchise is one of the most popular series of all time. However, some fans are unaware of Mike Tyson's involvement in the movie series.

“Keep that son of b**ch outside,” Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone denied Mike Tyson from ‘Rocky’ opportunity fearing for own life

Sylvester Stallone was afraid of Mike Tyson (Image Sources - Daily Star/Wikimedia Commons)

Mike Tyson is one of the most feared fighters to step foot in the ring. His intimidating aura and explosive power have become a nightmare for his opponents. He is feared by many as well as by the famous actor and director Sylvester Stallone. Although ‘Rocky’ is known to be one of the toughest guys in the fictional world, he wanted nothing to do with the former heavyweight champion. The ‘Rocky’ actor was also caught in the crossfire by Tyson’s scary presence.

Ahead of Sylvester Stallone’s 2006 movie ‘Rocky Balboa,’ Mike Tyson wanted a piece of the action. According to Stallone, the former heavyweight champion wanted to star as the actor’s final contender in the movie. Besides fighting, Tyson seemed interested to dip his toes in the acting world. It was reported that he had contacted the team for a role in the 2006 movie.

Despite Tyson’s interest in starring in the film, Sylvester Stallone declined. He revealed that he was afraid of Tyson, as he could ‘kill’ him. The actor told the media outlet, ‘ContactMusic’ about the story. “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.“

It was evident that Sylvester Stallone feared Mike Tyson. He thought it would be a ‘bad idea’ to have the former heavyweight champion re-enact boxing fights. The ‘Rocky’ actor mentioned that Tyson is a ‘Killer’ and had the potential to hurt him.

Related: WATCH: When Mike Tyson coached Tennis ‘GOAT’ Serena Williams to throw power punches on the bag

Mike Tyson’s cameo in the movie ‘Rocky Balboa’ in 2006

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Mike Tyson’s appearance in Rocky Balboa in 2006 (Image Source – Fandomwire)

Although Sylvester Stallone was reluctant to provide Mike Tyson with a role, he eventually had to. However, it was not the role that Tyson had requested. The former heavyweight champion had a cameo role in the movie. In the movie ‘Rocky’ fights Antonio Tarver during a brutal showdown. While the camera pans to the audience, Mike Tyson can be seen yelling at Tarver. Despite not getting the role he wanted, Tyson had a small amount of screen time in the film that made fans chuckle.

Regarding the role, Sylvester Stallone had this to say, “Eventually, I relented and said he could be in the audience.” The actor said this as he initially declined Tyson’s offer to star as his opponent in the ring. He then continued, “Then I never heard from him. Suddenly, when I turn up in the ring he’s there at the side.”

Stallone told ‘ContactMusic,’ “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.” This appearance was a moment of delight for fans.

Regardless, the cameo role starred in by Mike Tyson was a memorable event for fans. The ‘Rocky‘ series is considered to be some of the best movies in terms of combat sports. And, to see an icon of the sport getting involved with it was a sight to behold.

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