“You STOLE my script!” Legendary Muhammad Ali once confronted Rocky Balboa at the Oscars stage

Muhammad Ali makes an apperance at the Oscars and has a wholesome moment with Sylvester Stallone

“You STOLE my script!” Legendary Muhammad Ali once confronted Rocky Balboa at the Oscars stage

Muhammad Ali and Sylvester Stallone (image credit- The Guardian)

‘Rocky’ is a 1976 American sports film written by and starring the renowned Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone. It tells the story of a boxer named Rocky Balboa and his rise from poverty to stardom. Furthermore, the film was directed by John G. Avildsen and even won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Subsequently, Stallone was inspired to write the script for “Rocky” after watching the Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner fight in 1975.

Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky Balboa is considered one of the most iconic roles in cinematic history. The character’s enduring popularity and Stallone’s dedication to the role have made him a beloved figure in the world of film. Furthermore, Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky was so convincing and powerful that he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. During the 49th Academy Awards held on March 28, 1977, Stallone and Muhammad Ali shared the stage. Stallone presented an award, and Ali joined him on stage, engaging in some playful banter, Ali stated, “You stole my script!“

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This fight between Ali and Wepner inspired the character of Rocky Balboa and the overall story of “Rocky”. Furthermore, Stallone was struck by the underdog story of Wepner, known as “The Bayonne Bleeder” due to his tendency to get cut easily in fights.

While the Ali vs. Wepner fight inspired “Rocky,” the character of Rocky Balboa and the film’s story became iconic, separate from the real-life events that inspired them. The film’s success led to numerous sequels and made Stallone a household name in Hollywood.

Muhammad Ali changed his real name after becoming a Muslim

Muhammad Ali is one of the best boxers of all time, but this is not his birth name. Hence, Ali’s real name is Cassius Clay Jr., but he changed it after he converted to Islam. On March 6th, 1964, the 22-year-old former heavyweight champion officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali (image credit – The Mirror)

Subsequently, Ali received his name from his spiritual guide, Elijah Muhammad. Additionally, Ali did not like his first name because it derived from a slave name. In addition, his paternal grandfather had been a slave and spent his life working as one. The former heavyweight champ was a vocal advocate for civil rights and racial justice in the United States.

Ali’s career spanned more than 20 years, and he became known as the greatest to emerge from the sport. During that span, he competed in 61 bouts, winning 56 of them and 37 of them by knockout.

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