Sylvester Stallone takes on Robert De Niro

Two of the greatest cinematic boxers of all time are getting ready to go one-on-one in a new boxing movie, Grudge Match

It will be the Raging Bull vs the Italian Stallion



Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone are set to star in the comedy “Grudge Match.” The plot revolves around two retired boxers who are coaxed back into the ring by a promoter, played by actor-comedian Kevin Hart.

Place your bets now: Will Jake LaMotta beat Rocky Balboa? Or will the man who starred in “Rocky” (1976) — and all of its glorious sequels — overcome 1980’s “Raging Bull” with sheer might? The two are not reprising their famed roles in a super-movie — they’re playing new characters in what appears to be forming into a charming comedy.

This isn’t the first time Stallone and De Niro have appeared on screen together. They both starred in the 1997 crime drama “Cop Land.” Counting 2006’s “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth and final Rocky film (so far), “Grudge Match” will mark the second time Stallone has played a boxer who has come out of retirement to throw some punches.

While we know he’s capable, it’s unclear whether 69-year-old De Niro will try to get in better shape for the role.

While the Rocky series has beaten Raging Bull at the box office a hundred times over, the American Film Institue (AFI) has voted Raging Bull 4th greatest film of all-time. Rocky is way down the list at number 57.

It will also be interesting to see what weight class both actors depict in their new boxing film. De Niro and Stallone are similar sizes in real life, but De Niro played a middleweight champ in “Raging Bull” while Stallone played a heavyweight in “Rocky.”

The film will be directed by Peter Segal (“Anger Management” and “”Longest Yard“) and “Entourage” writer Doug Ellin is reported to have written most of the screenplay.

Who will win this all time great Hollywood Boxing Movie Championship?

Will it be The Raging Bull or the Italian Stallion?

Author – Boxing Hall of Fame

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