Come on, champ. You ain't so bad.
Rocky!
Five. Six.
Seven. Eight.
Nine. Ten.
You're out!
- We made a deal. - I know, but this is extremely crazy.
Yeah, it's mentally irregular.
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.
Stallion, you won that last fight by one second.
You beat me by one second.
That's very hard for a man of my intelligence to handle.
Is it? Didn't you say afterwards you learned how to live with it?
- I lied. - You lied.
So now you have to prove it to yourself?
Just for myself. No TV or newspapers, just you and me.
Nothing. Just you and me.
- Age before beauty. - Anything you say.
I do all the work.
You better go slow. You ain't as young as springtime no more.
I'm still young enough to whip your butt.
Yeah? How will you do that? You taught me everything you know.
Almost everything.
Remember, you fight great...
but I'm a great fighter.
- You ready? - Absolutely.
All right.
It's too bad we have to get old.
Just keep punching.
Want to ring the bell?
All right.
Come on, Stallion.
You really move good for an older guy.
Look at him fly.
No, you don't want any of this.
Maybe I'm in here with the wrong guy.
Dad, you're late.
Mom's going to yell at you.
- How you doing? - Fine.
Don't you think that's a little bright?
- 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 know, you're developing a very loud personality.
Don't go too fast or you'll get out of focus.
Really?
- It's about time. - I'm sorry I'm late.
Why don't you get ready to eat?
You're here. Now stop calling him names.
You been calling me names?
We wait any longer, it will be my next birthday.
- Where have you been? - Out getting punched.
Bring the cake in here, and let's get the celebration underway.
I'm hungry.
Babe, get the cake. He'll love it.
We have a great surprise for you. You'll love this cake.
-You'll love your present, Uncle Paulie. -Where is it?
Let me set the mood here. I have to turn the lights down.
- Watch this. - It's parked in the driveway?
Just be patient.
I'm so excited, I'm sweating.
I feel like I'm going into a big fight.
Happy birthday, Paulie.
- What the hell is this? - Your present.
I wanted a sports car for my birthday...
not a walking trash can.
- He looks great here. - This is extremely psycho.
Since you don't have any friends, we thought you'd like it.
Pretend you're happy. It'll keep you company when you're all alone.
That's a great-looking guy.
- Please make a wish. - It's creepy! That thing talks!
These things are great! I wish I had one when I was growing up.
- Make a wish, like he said. - I wish I wasn't in this nightmare.
A very classy wish. What do you think?
Very good.
Want to help me put out this forest fire?
- Sure. - On the count of three.
One, two, three.
They're out.
You drowned me!
Don't worry.
I'll clean it up for you, Paulie.
- Rocky. - Yeah, you noticed.
What are you doing with that cake?
The party ain't over yet.
Still got to celebrate. 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 married me...
so here's your prize.
But our anniversary's a week away.
That's true. But why wait?
Has it been that rough?
It's been excellent.
Open your prize. Go on.
Do 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.
It won't bite you.
It's beautiful.
You know what's amazing?
After all these years...
everything still seems kind of new.
You remember a long time ago I told you that...
you ain't never getting rid of me?
You're not.
You're never getting rid of me.
Happy almost anniversary.
Can you answer a few questions?
- How long you here for? - We talk later, please.
When are you fighting, Drago?
Is it definite the Soviet Union...
will enter professional boxing?
Please, no more talk now. We will talk at press conference.
Do you know where it will be held?
Today may have proved to be a landmark in sports history.
After unraveling years of red tape...
Russia will now 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?
From having been trained in Russia by great boxing coach, Manuel Vega...
and now by Sergei Rimsky...
we hope he's qualified to do so.
I know he is, but I don't want to sound too confident.
lf 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 sound like he's indestructible.
Yes, he is.
Can this mammoth Russian, already nicknamed the Siberian Express...
wreak havoc among the professional heavyweight ranks?
Whoever he fights first, it'll be one hot ticket.
We'll be right 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.
Could you turn your robot down?
I fight, so you don't have to fight.
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.
That's nice. Thanks a lot.
It looks like a catcher's mitt.
A wise guy.
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. - Don't worry about it.
Hello? Yeah, Apollo-- Turn that down.
How you doing? Yeah?
You're coming out? That's great.
What am I doing? I'm just getting dizzy.
My husband and I thank you for coming to our training quarters 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?
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 doping...
and distribution of anabolic steroids in the Soviet Union.
Has Drago partaken in any such experiments?
Ivan in 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.
Drago averages 1850 pounds.
So the result is quite obvious.
What results are those?
Whatever he hits, he destroys.
He's big and he's strong, but he's clumsy.
- I know I can beat him. - Why do you want to fight again?
It's something I believe in.
- You can do your homework. - Okay. Later, Dad.
Later, Uncle Paulie, Apollo.
- Later, big man. - See you later, kiddo.
Don't you think people are expecting to see Rocky whack this bum out first?
Yeah, and he will when it's for real.
This is just an exhibition bout. It's kid stuff.
What's the purpose? What's worth getting hurt for?
- What the hell is that? - That's my girl.
- Thanks, honey. - You're welcome.
- Nice song. - It's my favorite.
You're the greatest. See you, sport.
- See you. - Who taught it to talk like that?
She loves me.
Like I was saying...
I don't want this chump to come here with all that hype...
trying to make us look bad.
They try every other way.
With Rock's help, we can get great media coverage.
- We can make them look bad. - I think it's wrong.
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?
How much can you take?
Either of you.
I'll get the coffee.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-- I just care about you both.
You ever try these comics?
Keeps your fertility.
This was a great fight.
Great? I'm getting punchy just watching.
What you using for a chin there, Stallion?
- I should have slipped that one. - Yeah, definitely.
It's crazy how people care about you when you're in that ring bleeding...
but once you step out of that ring, you're ancient history.
- You ain't ancient history. - Nobody's asking for autographs.
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, then who is it against?
Do you think maybe it's you against you?
I think you really are getting brain damaged.
- That's what I think, Stallion. - Yeah, maybe, but...
I'm speaking the truth, Apollo.
- Are you? - Yeah.
I don't think I want to hear this.
Apollo, you're a great fighter. No doubt about that.
But we have to face the facts too.
You don't want to believe it, but maybe the show is over.
That's easy for you to say. You're still on top.
What happens when you're not on top? Then what?
Where do we go?
We sure can't be born again.
I know we can't be born again, but we have to 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 this, but that ain't us no more.
We can't do that the way we did before.
We're changing. We're turning into regular people.
Maybe you think you're changing...
but you can't change what you really are.
Forget all this money and stuff around you. It don't change a thing.
You and me don't even have a choice.
We're born with a killer instinct you can't turn off and on like a radio.
We have to be in the middle of the action because we're warriors.
Without some challenge, without some war to fight...
then the warrior may as well be dead.
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 have a deal.
I feel sorry for that guy.
Apollo, what made you decide to put on an exhibition with Drago?
Call it a sense of responsibility.
Responsibility, how?
I have to teach this young fellow how to box American style.
Isn't Drago a little inexperienced to be in the same ring?
Some folks have to learn the hard way.
- No knockout prediction? - I'm not angry with him.
I just want to show the world Russia doesn't have all the best athletes.
How do you think Apollo should fight Drago?
Personally, the first thing you need is a ladder.
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. - What do you mean?
In our country, Apollo Creed is well-known and very respected.
- It could be a good victory. - Whoa.
Wait a minute. Win?
You don't really think you're going to whip me, do you?
He didn't come here to lose.
You hold on, little lady.
Lose and lose royally he will do.
- How can you be so sure? - I've beaten the best.
I've retired more men than Social Security.
Excuse, please. You are not very realistic.
Where did you come from? What are you talking about?
You can box, but you are far too old to think you can win over Drago.
- Is that a fact? - Yes, and it could be a painful one.
You put that heavy bag without balls in the ring with me...
and you'll see the meaning of pain!
- Why do you insult us? -Just hold on.
Don't make me out as the bad guy.
I came to talk about a friendly exhibition bout till you started up.
You are the aggressor! This is obvious! I wish to say to the press...
in all fairness, Drago should not even fight this man.
He is a has-been.
You get that big chump in the ring right now!
Bring it on. I don't want to hear her. Just let that chump go.
All right, I said what I feel. We'll finish this in the ring.
- You understand? - What ever you like.
You and all your puppets just shut up! You are history, chump.
- How did I do? - A little loud for my taste.
- But good? - Yeah, very good.
Welcome one and all to the city of lights, Las Vegas...
and one of the most unusual events in years: East meets West.
Age versus 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. - Patience is a virtue.
I'm ready to rock and roll.
I understand, but you need your equipment. There you go.
- Now you look like a mummy. - I feel like a mummy.
- Does it feel okay? - It feels great. I could eat nails.
I never tried them things.
- What? - I never had snails.
I seen them in the garden, but I never wanted to eat them.
I didn't say anything about snails.
- I said, "nails," Stallion. - Yeah.
You look pretty good, but do me a favor when you go up there.
Try not to wear yourself out.
Yeah, wear myself out.
It's just that you haven't been in the ring for five years.
- I just want you to maintain a bit. - You sound like I'm an old man.
I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm stronger. I'm quicker.
I'm not saying you're not ready...
but, personally, if it were me...
I wouldn't mind postponing it a couple weeks.
- Postpone? - Yeah.
Come on, we don't really know anything about this guy you're fighting.
- Let's say I postpone. - Yeah.
I pull out, somebody else steps in and whips this chump.
- Where does that leave me? - What do you mean?
It's just some exhibition fight. This don't mean nothing.
No, that's where you're wrong.
This is not just an exhibition that doesn't mean anything.
This is us against them. Come on.
Stallion, maybe you don't know...
what I'm talking about now...
but you will when it's over.
Believe me.
Good luck. I hope after we can be friends.
- I hope so. - Of course.
They're sportsmen, not soldiers.
Enjoy the fight.
Knock me out Hit it
Superhighways
Coast to coast
Easy to get anywhere
Transcontinental
Overload
Just hide behind the wheel
How does it feel
When there's no destination
That's too far
And somewhere on the way you might find out who you are
Living in America
Eye to eye Station to station
Hand in hand
Across the nation
Got to have a celebration
You may not be looking for the promised land
But you might find it anyway
All along the route Old familiar names
Like New Orleans
Detroit City
Dallas
Pittsburgh, PA
New York City
Kansas City
Atlanta, yeah
Chicago and LA
I live in America
Head to head Toe to toe
Say it loud It will make you proud
I know what it means
Eye to eye Tooth to tooth
This is the undisputed truth
All the way
With your badself
I feel good
Good evening, everyone. Along with Warner Wolf, I'm Stu Nahan.
We welcome you to a most unusual event.
For the first time, West against East in professional sports.
Thanks for getting me here.
- I owe you one. - 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. - Certainly.
Tonight's special event features two great athletes.
In the blue corner...
weighing 221 pounds...
the former heavyweight champion of the world...
the Dancing Destroyer...
the King of Sting...
the Count of Monte Fisto--
- You think you have enough names? - Be patient. We're almost done.
The Master of Disaster, the one and only, Apollo Creed!
The crowd anticipating a great fight. Apollo is 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!
The two fighters come to the center of the ring...
for the instructions from referee Lou Filippo.
You boys know the rules.
Watch your low blows, kidney punches, rabbit punches.
In case of a knockdown, you go to the corner I tell you...
and you stay there until I tell you to come out.
Shake hands and let's have a good fight.
It's time to go to school, son.
Get your hands up. Do you need an interpreter?
You will lose.
All right.
The bad blood between these two can be felt all over this arena.
I can't get over the size of this Russian.
It's show time!
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 dancing around.
Creed backpedaling now. He's been away five years.
Come on.
Neither fighter ready to throw a punch. A left jab there.
A left jab once again by Creed.
- A slip by Creed. - This is bizarre.
Creed is over the hill, and the Russian hasn't fought anybody.
Keep moving! Stick him!
Drago moving in again.
A left hand by Creed and another. Drago moves away.
Get your hands up!
Another left hand by Creed!
Drago waiting, cocking that right hand.
Get out of there!
And a left hand! He's taking some punishment now!
- Drago moves him against the ropes! - Tie him up now!
Now the Russian throws Creed across the ring!
- Move! - It is Drago with the upper hand!
Drago with a left to the midsection!
- Get out of that corner! - Another right and another right!
Creed is against the ropes!
They step in and stop it!
What are you guys doing? This is supposed to be 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, I have to stop you.
This fight's finished. I have to call it.
Champ, you can't do no more out there.
- I'm here to fight. - He's killing you. I have to stop it.
I'm here to fight. Promise me you won't stop this fight.
That was a pulverizing round for the ex-champion.
Ivan Drago is definitely for real.
Don't stop this fight no matter what.
Creed comes out for round two, dancing around.
The legs appear to be still a little rubbery.
Get your hands up.
Now it is the Russian just standing there.
The Russian trying to intimidate Creed.
The Russian throws a right hand and staggers Creed!
Another right to the jaw! A left to the head!
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!
I have never seen Apollo take so much punishment!
Throw the damn towel!
- My God! - Creed is down!
Apollo could be badly hurt.
- Get these guys out of here! - The winner: Ivan Drago.
Let me through!
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 men.
- Is he dead? - Get out of here!
It's absolute pandemonium!
- Stand back. - Let him breathe! You can do it.
Soon I defeat 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.
Creed appears to be in very serious condition.
Is the man alive?
You can make it.
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 didn't understand that, but...
now I understand.
I'll never forget you, Apollo.
You're the best.
- Rocky, is the decision final? - Yes.
- Are you the first to give up his crown? - I don't know.
- Doesn't the title mean anything to you? - Not until this is over.
Coach Rimsky, considering Rocky's known punching power...
do you still think this will be an easy fight?
- Yes, of course. - It's a matter of size and 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 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 25. - Why Christmas?
- That's what I was told. - Where?
- It's in Russia. - Are you nuts?
- 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 are so very bad.
You have this belief that you are so fair and we are so cruel.
It's all lies and false propaganda...
to support this antagonistic and violent government!
"Violent"?
We don't keep our people behind a wall with machine guns.
- Who are you? - Who am I?
I'm the unsilent majority, big mouth!
Good! Yes, 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 pathetic and weak your society has become!
We go!
Mrs. Balboa!
- How do you feel about going to Russia? - Is your husband going to Moscow?
How does it feel to be part of such a controversial decision?
Did Creed's death make up your husband's mind?
I don't know what you're talking about!
Look, I'm not going to Russia.
I don't know what you're talking about or what you people are doing here.
Yeah.
- You all right? - Yeah.
Fine.
Why did you do it?
- I just have to do what I have to do. - You don't have to do anything.
No, Adrian, I do.
I have to leave this place too.
So where are you going?
They said they would let me train in Russia.
I just want to go someplace where...
I won't think of nothing except him.
Give it some time. Don't do this.
A lot of people live with hurt.
Adrian, a lot of people don't have the choice. I do.
And for that you're willing to lose everything?
This ain't everything.
This house and the stuff we have ain't everything.
There's a lot more than this.
Before, there were reasons to fight I could understand...
but I don't understand this.
Even if you win, what have you won? Apollo is still gone.
Why can't you change your thinking? Everybody else does!
Because I'm a fighter.
That's the way I'm made.
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 just go with what we are.
You can't go with what you are. Have you read the papers?
Everybody says it's suicide!
You've seen him. You know how strong he is.
You can't win!
Adrian always tells the truth.
Maybe I can't win.
Maybe the only thing I can do...
is just take everything he's got.
But to beat me, he'll have to kill me.
And to kill me...
he'll have to have the heart to stand in front of me.
And to do that...
he has to be willing to die himself.
I don't know if he's ready to do that.
I don't know.
Be careful with the plaid ones. They belong to the boss.
Did you packy our toothbrush?
You know how tobacco stains your teeth.
lf I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
Stop busting my chops.
I'll have her wires tied when I get back.
- When will you be back? - Pretty soon.
Are you scared?
Yes, you are.
A little maybe?
Wouldn't you be?
If a big giant man wanted to beat me up, I'd be real scared.
The truth is, sometimes...
I do get a little scared.
When I'm in that ring really getting hit...
and my arms hurt so much I can't lift them.
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.
It'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--
That's what makes all the difference in your life.
You know what I mean?
Can you remember one more thing?
Remember that Daddy thinks you're the best boy in the world.
And Daddy loves you, no matter what.
I have to go now.
Will you take care of everything?
Don't forget to feed your robot.
Bye, babe.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Come on! The meter's running!
Two worlds collide Rival nations
It's a primitive clash venting years of frustration
Bravely we hope against all hope
There is so much at stake
Seems our freedom's up against the ropes
Does the crowd understand
Is it East versus West or man against man
Can any nation standalone
What a horrendous flight.
This is Russia?
Don't look so tough.