Getting into the ring

In order to ensure their fight looked as realistic as possible, Stallone and Weathers underwent four weeks of intense training.

This resulted in Carl banging his nose and Sly suffering from bruised ribs.

When it came to filming the actual fight for the movie – which was shot in the Los Angeles Sports Arena - director John G. Avildsen promised anyone who came to watch it a free chicken dinner in an effort to fill out the stadium.