DiBella, the Connecticut Defenders managing partner and president, will play the part of a boxing promoter in the next installment of the “Rocky” series.

The latest film will have the boxer coming out of retirement for one last fight for the world heavyweight title.

“I personally think the ‘Rocky’ franchise is great,” said DiBella Sunday from Las Vegas during a break in production. “ ‘Rocky I’ was a great inspiration for me to get into the boxing business.”

DiBella has no prior acting experience, but that didn’t stop Stallone from selecting his friend to play a part in the new film. DiBella said Stallone wanted authenticity with the part.

DiBella thought Stallone was joking with him about being in the movie, but soon received a script sometime in October. DiBella went in for a screen test five days after that and was told he secured the role on Oct. 31.

Shooting for the film began last month and DiBella will be involved until February. His scenes take place in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and of course, Philadelphia, the hometown of the Rocky character.

DiBella was a television executive for seven years, but was never involved in a great project like a movie. The experience has opened his eyes to something new.

“It’s a new experience,” DiBella said. “You do work long days. It’s really something to see how long it takes to shoot one scene.”

DiBella said there is no one really coaching him during his movie debut. With the exception of taking orders from the director, DiBella is just being himself.

“I’m pretty good at playing myself,” DiBella said.

DiBella realizes his acting debut will put himself and his company, DiBella Entertainment, in the spotlight. Another step to that was taken Saturday night when Jermain Taylor became the undisputed middleweight champion of the world with a decision over Bernard Hopkins.

“That was huge for us,” said DiBella, Taylor’s promoter.

DiBella also hopes the publicity from the movie will help the Defenders. He’s already talking about asking Stallone for permission to have a ‘Rocky Night’ at some point during the 2006 season.
“I’m grateful to Sly for the opportunity of being in this movie,” DiBella said.

The “Rocky” series began in 1976 and was an instant hit at the movies, grossing over $100 million. The film won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (John Avildsen) and Best Film Editing