The movie star is best known for his portrayal of Rocky Balboa but also has a strong connection to boxing.
Sylvester Stallone is responsible for bringing one of cinema’s most iconic characters to the screen through the ‘Rocky’ movie franchise.
Despite the first inclusion in the series coming from humble beginnings, the ‘Rocky’ movies would become beloved by generations.
However, the movie series could have had an even deeper connection to boxing had Stallone got his wish.
Joe Frazier was asked to play a role in Rocky III by Sylvester Stallone
Former champion, and one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, Joe Frazier was asked by Stallone to play a key role in the third installment of the ‘Rocky’ franchise.
Revealing in an Instagram post, Stallone discussed his desire to have the man who beat Muhammad Ali for the first time play Clubber Lang.
“In Rocky Three I thought we should use a real fighter, just to push the envelope to where fighting films had never gone before. So I decided to use legendary heavyweight champion from Philadelphia, Smokin’ Joe Frazier to play the brutal Clubber Lang.”
The boxer would ultimately not star in the film, however. Frazier once missed out on a $100 million payday in his post-career, and would also miss out on his chance to star in the movie alongside Stallone.
The role of Lang would end up being played by Mr. T., who portrayed the antagonist for the franchise’s third installment.
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A sparring match between Sylvester Stallone and Joe Frazier stopped the boxer from getting the role
Despite choosing Frazier to play the role of Lang, it was also Stallone who decided against the boxer being in the film.
In preparation for the role, Stallone invited Frazier to the gym, where the two engaged in a sparring match. However, the movie star would end up regretting his decision to step into the ring with the boxer.
“I didn’t realize it at the time, but this was like going into a lion’s cage covered in steak sauce,” Stallone wrote on Instagram. He would go on to explain how he was the recipient of huge blows from the former champion, as well as needing stitches.
Stallone would go on to say that although he enjoyed the time he spent with Frazier, the afternoon made him realize that another movie star was the best fit for the role.