NEW YORK – April, 21-Sylvester Stallone, creator and star of the award-winning motion picture “Rocky,” will receive an unprecedented honor from the Boxing Writers Association of America. Stallone will receive the first BWAA award for lifetime cinematic achievement in boxing at the organization’s 81st annual Awards Dinner to be held May 5 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas..
The American icon, who soared to superstardom in the role as unheralded and undaunted pug Rocky Balboa in the three-time Academy Award-winning 1976 film, will be presented with a specially commissioned piece from renowned Philadelphia sculptor Carl LeVotch.
“People accept Rocky Balboa as authentic,” Stallone told the BWAA when informed of his award. “I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and asked about my boxing career. It’s like they really want to believe that Rocky exists.
“You know, I’m amazed by all of this. At one time I thought people would get over (their fascination with the character) and move on. Didn’t happen. After 30 years, Rocky has taken hold to a degree I never could have imagined.”
Stallone has written and starred in six “Rocky” films. The latest edition, “Rocky Balboa,” is in postproduction and is scheduled for a Christmas release. Stallone also is executive producer of the boxing reality television series “The Contender.”
Stallone is one of many who will be honored on boxing’s most prestigious night, when the BWAA’s annual awards are bestowed, including Ricky Hatton as Fighter of the Year, Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo for Fight of the Year, Dan Birmingham for Trainer of the Year and Alan Haymon for Manager of the Year among others.
Numerous current and former champions will be in attendance for the formal affair. You can be there, too. Tickets are $200 per person, or $100 for BWAA members. Tables of 10 also are available.
Tickets are limited but may be purchased by calling BWAA event coordinator Gina Andriolo at (212) 253-9940 or by sending a check made payable to “Boxing Writers Association of America” to P.O. Box 1042, Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Checks must be received no later than April 26.
You may also visit www.bwaa.org or call the BWAA Hotline at (212) 969-0401 for additional information regarding the dinner and the organization.