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The Real Philly fighter called Rocky Balboa who got KO’d in 57 seconds

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WBN has uncovered a real boxer named Rocky Balboa, who unfortunately didn’t enjoy as good a career as his movie namesake.

Shrouded in mystery is the eye-catching yet deflated tenure of a young fighter named Balboa. He made his debut as a professional in 1981 – six years after the memorable movie.

The original ‘Rocky’ was a worldwide smash hit. It spawned several successful sequels to become one of the most lucrative franchises.

However, one check at the boxing records sees the name ‘Rocky Balboa’ produced on a solitary occasion.

Campaigning at welterweight, ‘Rocky Balboa’ made his on November 7th against future 154lb world champion Robert Hines. Sadly, in 57 seconds via knockout, and would never again grace a boxing ring.

A little more digging into his blink-and-you-miss-it career to determine whether that truly is his real name came up fruitless.

But it would undoubtedly be intriguing to know whether the name was adopted or Balboa was the victim of a massive coincidence. Presumably, the former.

Unfortunately, Balboa’s career lasted less than a minute. No one else has since been bold enough to carry the same mantle.

Even with the surname bestowed on him, any contender would potentially be a promoter’s dream and the subject of early-career publicity.

If there was any for this Balboa, it seems to have disappeared without a trace.

Amazingly, Balboa hailed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The same city and state as his fictional namesake.

What happened to him after that single bout against Hines remains a mystery.

Rocky Balboa
MGM

ROCKY BALBOA OPPONENT

Opponent Hines would fight another nine years, culminating in an IBF super-welterweight title triumph against Matthew Hilton in 1988 before retirement.

That was followed eighteen months later by two losses from three subsequent bouts.

Hines has laughed off talk of facing Balboa in some Q and A’s that followed his bout 26 years ago. He was as confused as anyone.

How did the boxer come to the ring bearing that name of all names?

Whatever the reason, there isn’t going to be a rematch.

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