 Rocky is the story of a Philadelphia fighter |
A former heavyweight boxer has sued actor Sylvester Stallone, saying Rocky was the story of his life. Chuck Wepner is seeking $15m (�8.9m) from Stallone, claiming the actor made the 1976 Rocky film after seeing Wepner win a fight against Muhammad Ali.
The ex-boxer's lawyer, Anthony Mango, claimed his uncredited client should be compensated because Stallone uses his name "constantly".
The case has been taken to the State Superior Court in New Jersey.
"The fact that (Stallone) based a movie on him, it's not illegal, and we don't have a problem with that," Mr Mango said.
Bout
"It's that he uses his name constantly, everyday without compensation."
Stallone is said to have attended a bout between Wepner and Muhammad Ali in Richfield, Ohio, in 1975.
The odds were 30 to one that Ali would win in the third round but Wepner withstood 15 rounds, knocking Ali to the canvas in the ninth.
But the unfancied boxer lost by a technical knock-out.
"When the first Rocky movie was released, I was happy," said Wepner.
He added: "Years later, I met Stallone and upon meeting me, he spontaneously cheered, 'Hey, Chuck, thanks'. I guess for the inspiration."
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