A snow-white underdog, and I'm gonna put his face on this poster with me. And I
tell ya why. Because I'm sentimental. And a lot of other people in this country are just as
sentimental, and they're nothin' they'd like better than to see Apollo Creed give a local
Philadelphia boy a shot at the greatest title in the world on this country's biggest birthday. Now
that's the way I see it. And that's the way it's gonna be!
Jergens Apollo, I like it. It's very American.
No, Jergens, it's very smart.
[Rocky is standing alone in the ring at the empty Philadelphia Spectrum, looking at the
poster of himself]
Mr. Jergens, the poster's wrong.
Jergens What do ya mean?
Well, I'm wearin' white pants with a red stripe.
Jergens It doesn't really matter, does it? I'm sure you're gonna give us a great show.
Try to get some rest, kid.
[Apollo and his team are brainstorming about his next opponent for the New Year's Day match]
What do you think about Billy Snow?
Jergens Fouls.
How 'bout Big Chuck Smith? Yeah.
D Duke
Nah. He's too old and dull. [points out] Hey, Bobby Judd. He's a good boy.
No, I don't feel any heat from that name.
Jergens Joe Zach's a good prospect. [approaches Apollo] Exactly what are you looking for, Apollo?
[shows Jergens somebody in a local fight book]
This is what I'm looking for. 'The Italian Stallion.'
Jergens Rocky Balboa? Never heard of him.
Look, it's the name, man. 'The Italian Stallion.' The media'll eat it up. Now who discovered America? An Italian, right? What would be better than to get it on with one of his descendants?
D Duke
He's a southpaw. I don't want you messing around with southpaws. They do everything backwards.
Southpaw, nothin'. I'll drop him in three. [visualizes title] "Apollo Creed Meets the Italian Stallion". [laughs]... Sounds like a damn monster movie.
Jergens Balboa, George Jergens. Take a chair please. Mr. Balboa.
Jergens Tell me Rocky, you've got any representation of a manager?
Jergens Rocky I've got a proposition I'd like to make to you.
Jergens I beg your pardon?
Well, I'm interested. I know you're looking for sparring partners and I just want to say I'm very available you know.
Jergens I'm sure you are.
Absolutely. Sparring with the champ would be an honor and you know what, Mr. Jergens?
Jergens What?
I wouldn't take no cheap shots either. I'd be a really good sparring partner.
Jergens You don't understand me, Rocky. My proposition is this. Would you be interested in fighting Apollo Creed for the World Heavyweight Championship?
Jergens Listen Rocky, Apollo's seen you fight. He likes you and he wants to fight you.
It's just that you see I fight in clubs you know. I'm really a ham-and-egger and this guy's the best. It wouldn't be such a good fight. Thank you very much though, I appreciate it.
Jergens Rocky, do you believe that America is the land of opportunity?
Jergens Apollo Creed does. He's going to prove it to the whole world by giving an unknown a shot at the title and that unknown is you. He picked you, Rocky. Rocky it's the chance of a lifetime. You can't pass it by. What do you say?
