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ITALIAN
STALLION MEETS MARINE PUGILISTS
By
Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis :: MBC Camp
Pendleton
December
15, 2005
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Camp Pendleton boxing coach
Anthony J. Gonzales found a knockout way to motivate his
Marine boxers Dec. 6.
He took his team and other Marines here to Mandalay Bay to
see actor Sylvester Stallone slug it out during the filming
of upcoming boxing movie ‘Rocky VI.’
The Marines were there for the entertainment and served as
extras in the film.
“My boxers will have an extra spark,” Gonzalez said.
“By being in the film, they will have the motivation to
show their skills, talent and techniques in a competitive
bout.”
Gonzalez thanked retired Sgt. Maj. Chris Crawford with Camp
Pendleton Varsity Sports for supporting his boxers and
Marines to participate in the film making of ‘Rocky VI.’
Some Marines at the filming just returned from deployment.
“It was really exciting going to Iraq but also exciting to
be here,” said boxing supporter Gunnery Sgt. Alfredo C.
Rosas, 11th Marine Regiment.
The Marines sat in the audience as extras and chanted for
Rocky Balboa during the filming of the fight. Some Marines
were ringside extras during one of the movie’s pinnacle
moments.
The Marines got one-on-one time with the cast members in
between takes.
“I’m proud of the Marine Corps traditions you guys are a
part of,” said actor Burt Young, a former Marine who plays
the character ‘Paulie’ in the movie. “You’ll never
have that type of brotherhood anywhere else.”
After the filming, Sylvester Stallone invited the Marines
from the bleachers to the ring for a face-to-face ‘thank
you.’
“It’s good to see Sly and be a part of history while
representing the Marine Corps,” said boxing team captain
Steven Moraldo adding, “It’s always good to get away
from the base.”
Gonzales said Marines would be motivated to see fellow
Marines in the film when it debuts, and the film would
benefit his boxers.
Gonzales also said the film would also benefit the Marine
Corps.
“It will help recruiting process by showing the Marine
Corps in a positive light,” Gonzalez said.
“It feels good seeing Marines doing other things other
than fighting wars,” Moraldo said. “This is something
that Marines will look for in the future.”
‘Rocky VI’ is scheduled to premiere Feb. 9, 2007.
However, Gonzales said people might see his boxers much
sooner, sparring with top professional boxers for the
experience and ring savvy commonly seen in Las Vegas boxers.
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