The True Boxing Story That Inspired Rocky 4 (& Took Place Nearly 50 Years Earlier)

Despite its focus being on a fictional, Cold War-themed contest, Rocky IV was inspired by a real-life boxing match between an American and a German Boxer held almost 50 years before its release in 1985. The Rocky sequel was made when the Cold War was in its 40th year, and it wouldn’t end for another six. Directed and starring Sylvester Stallone, the film depicts the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union at the time through its characters Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago.