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Veteran actor and boxer Burt Young who’s widely known for starring in Sylvester Stallone’sRockyfranchise recently passed away this October. It was a piece of really tragic news for fans of the franchise as he was the emotional and moral support for Rocky Balboa to be better at whatever he did. He was a strong and thoughtful man who really contributed to the legacy of the franchise and Stallone also recently paid tribute to his late friend, expressing love and gratitude all these years.
Young was also known for his boxing career. He had an admirable winning record in his career and this made him a perfect fit for theRockyfilms. He was also approached to be cast inRockyby Stallone himself. It seems he even came face to face with the boxing legend Muhammad Ali and squared off against him.
Also read:Burt Young Passes Away at 83: 7 Other Rocky Stars the Ageing Sylvester Stallone Has Bid Adieu
Burt Young Fought Against Muhammad Ali and Later Became Friends
Before becoming an actor, Burt Young was a boxer and he participated in many exhibition fights. He was a hard worker and held an impressive winning record in the sport. He even fought the legend Muhammad Ali in an exhibition match and later became friends with him. He toldRumpus,
“I used to fight. I put a heavy bag in; I work out. I don’t sleep much. But I’m still very good. 17-0, I’ve never lost a pro fight. I had forty-one amateur; I lost the first one and the last one. Well, I had an exhibition fight with Mohammed Ali, three rounds we did. It was quite exciting for me. He’s a friend. We became very friendly.”
Sylvester Stallonelater approached him forRockyand the rest is history. He became one of the most beloved characters in the franchise and people still remember the late actor primally for his involvement and tremendous contribution to the franchise.
Also read:After The Expendables 4 Exit, Sylvester Stallone Sells 2.2 Acre Los Angeles Ranch for a Devastating Loss
Sylvester Stallone Pays Tribute to His Dear Friend and Co-Star, Burt Young
Veteran actor Burt Young recently passed away at the age of 83 on June 05, 2025. Young’s co-star in theRockyfranchise, Sylvester Stallone took toInstagramto pen a heartful tribute to his friend. He wrote,
“To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man and artist, I and the World will miss you very much…RIP.”
A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone)
Young will always be remembered for his contribution to the franchise and all the other great films he has done in his career. Stallone, on the other hand, has a documentary film based on his life and career coming up on Netflix calledSly. It will start streaming on Netflix from August 25, 2025.
Also read:“I and the world will miss you”: Sylvester Stallone Joins Millions of Rocky Fans to Mourn the Saddening Loss of His Co-star
Rahul Thokchom
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1276
Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.
