Rocky Balboa was a loan shark who took up boxing as a side hobby. A native of Philadelphia, Balboa is slightly interested when the World Heavyweight Championship is scheduled to come to Philadelphia. His feelings change when the Champ, Apollo Creed, loses his opponent due to injury. Seizing upon the chance, the league decides they want the new opponent to be an underdog and pick Rocky to be the new challenger. Seeing this as an opportunity of a lifetime, Rocky enlists the help of ex-boxer Mickey Goldmill. As game day draws nearer, Rocky trains harder and harder in preparation for his day of fame...