Rather than retelling Rocky Balboa’s rise from club fighter to heavyweight title challenger, I Play Rocky focuses on Stallone’s refusal to sell his screenplay unless he was cast in the lead role. At the time, he was an unknown actor repeatedly turned down by studios that wanted established stars to play the fictional Philadelphia boxer.

Anthony Ippolito portrays Stallone in the film, with director Peter Farrelly bringing the real-life underdog story to the screen.

The film’s synopsis describes it as the true story of “an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky. He was meant to be Rocky Balboa,” detailing how Stallone continued betting on himself despite being told no at every turn.

Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass and Stephan James are among the cast. Ippolito previously portrayed Al Pacino in the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer.

The original Rocky, released in 1976 on roughly a $1 million budget, became one of the biggest success stories in Hollywood history. It earned nearly $225 million during its initial theatrical run, won the Academy Award for Best Picture and launched a franchise that has expanded through the Creed films and generated nearly $2 billion at the global box office.

Fans will also have another chance to see the original movie on the big screen this fall, with a newly remastered 4K theatrical re-release planned as part of the film’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“Yeah. Well, look, it is only 2 lb up on what was agreed, and 2 lb is pretty much a kilo. It’s not a lot different to what they had planned, but both teams have agreed, and they’re going to be ready to go,” Rose said to The Punch podcast. “The fact that there is that extra 2 lb, I think you can guarantee that you will see the best, strongest versions of both Tim and Errol.”

Rose has never hidden his preference for championship fights to be contested at the full divisional limit rather than a catchweight.

“I’m not always a fan of catchweights, but whatever it takes to get a fight done, I’ll do it. But it is good that it is at a championship weight, 160 pounds. I think the winner of this fight is championship caliber,” said Rose.

When asked directly whether the heavier limit favors Tszyu, Rose didn’t hesitate.

“I agree. I think the heavier weight does benefit Tim. I’m really loving Tim’s confidence at the moment. There’s a confidence and a swagger back in him. People have had questions about him, but there’s no question about his mindset and his preparation for this,” said Rose. “He’s going to be big, he’s going to be strong, and he’s got a confidence about him fighting here in Australia where he’s undefeated.”

Rose also came away impressed with Spence’s condition after the American’s long journey to Australia.

“He looks great. The first thing I will say coming off the back of 20 hours on a plane, he looks in great nick, and he’s here to fight. We’re going to see a really solid Errol Spence Jr.” said Rose.

Rose’s comments reinforce the belief that the higher weight benefits Tszyu. While Spence recently questioned why the fight was originally scheduled at 158 pounds instead of 160, Rose said the higher limit plays into Tszyu’s hands while giving both fighters every opportunity to perform at their best.

Unlike Mario Barrios, Benn doesn’t like to box going backward. The unbeaten British contender thrives when he forces the action, cuts off the ring, and makes his opponents fight at his preferred speed. That aggressive style will test Ryan’s ability to find space for his lethal left hook.

This is also the first real chance for Benn to grab a world championship after years of working his way up the welterweight ranks. Beating Ryan immediately places him among the elite welterweights, securing the biggest victory of his career.

Benn has spent years chasing a world title opportunity, and now he gets his chance against one of boxing’s biggest names. Ryan, meanwhile, will be defending his title against an opponent who is unlikely to give him much room to work, presenting a different challenge from many of his previous fights.

The September 12 card is expected to draw significant attention in both the United States and the United Kingdom, where Benn has remained one of boxing’s most closely followed fighters. A victory would elevate either man heading into what could be a pivotal stretch for the welterweight division.

Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn is OFFICIAL!

Live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 12th on Mexican Independence Day Weekend #GarciaBenn pic.twitter.com/YSnrSMnmVq

— danawhite (@danawhite) July 15, 2026