 The film returns to the opening scene . Tommy breaks down in tears but stops crying when , upon catching sight of a mirror , he sees the image of Marty standing behind him . He finishes dressing for the fight and , as he walks to the ring , hears Stephanie calling to him . He turns to her ; they smile . He resumes his walk to the ring and the camera pulls back to reveal that he is dressed in Marty 's old ring robe in tribute . 
