“Stallone’s Surprising Revelation: De Niro’s Boxing Skills Exposed!”
In a recent revelation, Sylvester Stallone provided an insider look into the making of the 2013 movie “Grudge Match,” shedding light on a memorable sparring session with co-star Robert De Niro. The film, directed by Peter Segal, saw Stallone and De Niro portraying aging boxers Henry “Razor” Sharp and Billy “The Kid” McDonnen, respectively, as they rekindled their rivalry in the ring decades after their initial showdown.
Stallone, known for his portrayal of the iconic boxer Rocky Balboa, has always been associated with boxing-themed movies. However, it was his collaboration with De Niro in “Grudge Match” that intrigued fans, pitting two Hollywood legends against each other in a battle of the ages.
In a candid Instagram clip, Stallone reminisced about the time he and De Niro stepped into the ring for a boxing scene in the movie. Despite De Niro’s acclaimed performance in the 1980 film “Raging Bull,” Stallone humorously recalled De Niro’s lackluster boxing skills during filming. He quipped, “You’re a great actor, but you’re the worst boxer I’ve ever seen in the whole universe.”
He noted, “Someone sent me the video of me and De Niro of boxing in Grudge Match. And I thought, oh wow, He’s Raging Bull. He’s gonna come in and he’s gonna kick my butt and he’s gonna… like heard all these stories.”
Despite Stallone’s jests, he acknowledged De Niro’s dedication to realism in their sparring sessions. In a 2013 interview, Stallone praised De Niro’s commitment to the role, noting his feistiness and resilience during training. Despite the challenges, both actors embraced the physical demands of their roles, delivering authentic performances that resonated with audiences.
“He gets in, and I can tell his knees are shaking. He’s like that. He put his gloves on. He kinda looks like a lobster closet and I said, let’s move a little bit. And, oh my god! I said, you’re a great actor, but you’re the worst boxer I’ve ever seen in the whole universe. And he kinda admitted it,” recalled Stallone.
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“Grudge Match” may not have garnered significant awards recognition, but it remains a beloved film among boxing enthusiasts. The movie’s portrayal of aging fighters seeking redemption struck a chord with audiences, earning praise for its entertainment value and heartfelt performances from Stallone and De Niro.
In a 2013 interview, Stallone, however, was appreciative of De Niro’s boxing skills. He remarked, “He was very feisty. He took a good shot. It was very, very hard, the training. He hit me a couple of times because, you know, you want to get that realism. But when I saw him take some falls, and I took some falls, I said, ‘This is getting good, this is not a joke fight.’ “
