<P> Robert `` Rocky '' Balboa is the title character of the Rocky series . The character was created by Sylvester Stallone , who also portrayed him in all seven Rocky films . He is depicted as an everyman who started out by going the distance and overcoming obstacles that had occurred in his life and career as a professional boxer . While he is loosely based on Chuck Wepner , a one - time boxer who fought Muhammad Ali and lost on a TKO in the 15th round , the inspiration for the name , iconography and fighting style came from boxing legend Rocky Marciano . </P>
<P> Robert `` Rocky '' Balboa is the title character of the Rocky series . The character was created by Sylvester Stallone , who also portrayed him in all seven Rocky films . He is depicted as an everyman who started out by going the distance and overcoming obstacles that had occurred in his life and career as a professional boxer . While he is loosely based on Chuck Wepner , a one - time boxer who fought Muhammad Ali and lost on a TKO in the 15th round , the inspiration for the name , iconography and fighting style came from boxing legend Rocky Marciano . </P>
who is the character rocky balboa based on
who is the character rocky balboa based on
Rocky Marciano Chuck Wepner
Rocky Marciano Chuck Wepner