Hollywood Legend Sylvester Stallone Rejected Mike Tyson’s Offer for Fear of His Life

Sylvester Stallone is a Hollywood icon, best known for his role as Rocky Balboa in the Rocky film franchise. Since its 1976 debut, the franchise has become a massive hit, captivating audiences worldwide.

While filming the Rocky movies, Stallone collaborated with renowned fighters like Antonio Carver and Dolph Lundgren. However, he declined an offer to work with heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson.

According to reports, Tyson expressed interest in appearing as an antagonist in one of the Rocky films. However, Stallone rejected the offer, stating to Contact Music (via Boxing Scene): “Mike wanted to fight me in this film, but I thought it was a bad idea. I know I’m not that young, but I’m still too young to die.

“I said, ‘Thanks, but I don’t think that would be a very good idea. Thank you very much.’ But he kept calling the office, saying he wanted to be in the film fighting me.”

After persistent calls from Tyson, Stallone eventually agreed to give him a cameo at ringside. However, Stallone remained apprehensive, instructing the crew to keep Tyson out of the ring during filming.

Stallone added, “Eventually, I relented and said he could be in the audience. Then I never heard from him. Suddenly, when I turn up in the ring, he’s there at the side. I turned around and said to the crew, ‘Can you make sure you keep that son of a b***h out of the ring. If he gets in, he’ll kill me.’ The man’s a killer.”

Tyson was originally scheduled to face YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul on July 20, but the fight was postponed due to a medical issue experienced by Tyson. The fight is now set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15, 2023.

Stallone’s decision to decline Tyson’s offer highlights the inherent risk and danger associated with working with professional fighters in films. While the allure of authenticity and realism may be tempting, Stallone’s rejection serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and preserving one’s life.

The Rocky franchise has left an indelible mark on cinema history, and Stallone’s decision to safeguard his well-being underscores the sacrifices and considerations that go into creating memorable cinematic experiences.