In November 1975, Rocky was asked to be the challenger for the “Heavyweight Championship of the World” against reigning champion Apollo Creed after the scheduled challenger Mac Lee Green broke his hand. The fight was scheduled for January 1, 1976. Apollo took the fight as a joke and a novelty. Rocky was given a “million-to-one-shot” at winning the belt and a fifty-to-one shot at lasting more than three rounds with Creed. Rocky “went the distance” and was still standing at the end of the fight. Although Rocky lost the fight in a split decision, it didn't matter to him; all he wanted to do was prove he wasn't just another bum from the neighborhood.

Following the fight and some time in the hospital, Rocky married Paulie’s sister, Adrian. Not long afterwards, Adrian was pregnant. Rocky tried to retire from boxing to do commercials, but lacked the ability to do so, and instead started working in the meat house with his brother-in-law. He was laid off soon after. Adrian gives birth to Robert "Rocky" Balboa, Jr., but falls into a coma due to birth complications. Taking the risk of permanent blindness due to injuries from the first fight with Apollo, Rocky accepts a rematch, which will take place November 1976. By this time, Rocky is 31 years old. Motivated by the birth of his son and Adrian’s recovery, he wins at the very last second, beating the 10-count as both Rocky and Apollo fall in the 15th round. Rocky wins the fight with a knock-out, becoming the “Heavyweight Champion of the World.”

Rocky followed this win with ten successful title defenses and an exhibition match with the world wrestling champion, Thunderlips, whom Rocky fought to a draw after lifting Thunderlips and heaving him into the crowd. He then lost a match against challenger Clubber Lang. This was the same night Rocky’s long-time manager, Mickey Goldmill died. Apollo then came to him and offered his services to train him for a rematch against Clubber. In a fast-paced rematch, Rocky wins and once more becomes the “Heavyweight Champion of the World.”


Rocky beats Ivan Drago, avenging Apollo Creed's death.Apollo and Rocky continue their friendship with Rocky helping Apollo train for an exhibition match against Soviet champion Ivan Drago. In this match, Apollo dies after several intense blows to the head. Rocky then goes to Russia and wins a battle in the ring against Drago.

When Rocky, Adrian, and Paulie return to the United States, it is revealed that Rocky’s banker stole all of his money. On top of this, Rocky learns that he has suffered from brain damage from the fight with Drago, leaving him no choice but to retire. The Balboa’s and Paulie move back to their old neighborhood in Philadelphia. Rocky opens up Mickey’s old gym where he begins training Tommy “The Machine” Gunn. Gunn quickly becomes the hottest thing in boxing with Rocky at his side. Gunn is convinced to leave Rocky by promoter George Washington Duke and wins the heavyweight championship. Duke talks Gunn into challenging Rocky to a fight, which takes place on the street outside the local bar. Once again, Rocky emerges victorious.

According to information provided in Rocky, as of his last professional bout with Drago, Rocky's record stands at 57 wins (28 KOs) and 22 losses (and a draw with Thunderlips). Based on this final record and the fights depicted in the films, it can be said that coming into the first fight with Apollo Creed, Rocky had a professional record of 44-20. Starting with the Creed fight, Rocky fought 15 more times, capturing a record of 13 wins and 2 losses in that span.

Currently, Rocky is a widower living in Philadelphia operating a restaurant called Adrian’s.

Origin
Early in my acting career, I realized the only way I would ever prove myself was to create my own role in my own script. On my 29th birthday, I had $106 in the bank. My best birthday present was a sudden revelation that I had to write the kind of screenplay that