After Rocky defeats Apollo Creed in Rocky II, he goes on to defend the title 10 times while Clubber Lang (Mr. T) looks on. Rocky agrees to a charity exhibition match against Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan) to comedic effect.Rocky attends a ceremony celebrating his accomplishments, and the unveiling of his statue. Rocky announces his retirement, but Clubber Lang provokes him into fighting him. Rocky agrees, and the training begins.
Mickey advises against this bout with Clubber, and reveals that he planned all the title defense matches with lesser fighters. Mickey indicates that Clubber is the real deal, and that Rocky has no chance.
Rocky is stubborn, and chooses to take on Clubber anyway. However, he is unable to focus on his training, because he is too busy living it up.
The day of the fight arrives, and a pre-match quarrel finds Mickey in dire straits. Rocky must face the music without his trainer looking on. He loses the fight in 2 rounds, and Mickey passes on.
Apollo Creed offers to train Rocky, but he is too devastated to go on. Eventually he concedes, and they travel to Apollo's old stomping grounds. They schedule a re-match with Clubber Lang, but again Rocky is unable to focus on his training.
Adrian helps him to realize that there is a passionate fighter within him, and Apollo tells him to get his "eye of the tiger" back. Thus his training in "rhythmic boxing" begins. Rocky learns the speedy footwork akin to black fighters, tightens up his already small frame, and prepares for the re-match.
Rocky regains his confidence, and is ready for the matchup with Clubber Lang. Rocky allows Clubber to get some free shots in, and wares him down. Ultimately, he is able to defeat Clubber in the 3rd round, and Rocky regains his championship title.
Apollo cashes in on his favor, and Rocky agrees to a match with him. The only catch is that they are fighting for fun, without any press, any audience, or TV cameras. This is where Rocky III (1982) ends.
Rocky III is not as serious as the first two movies, and is a little heavier on the comedic side. In fact, it could be said that it's easier to make fun of in this day and age than when it was released (the training sequence with Apollo is... uh... a little "fruity"). It's still a good movie, and I would willingly watch it again.
