‘That’s the Closest I’ve Ever Come to Death’: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Rival Sylvester Stallone Almost Died Because of Immature Stunt With Boxing Legend

Published 09/19/2022, 2:15 PM EDT

Rocky Balboa star Sylvester Stallone, who became a world champ on the Hollywood screen, was a poster boy. The motivational saga in his movies was found playing in every boxing gym. Apart from living a boxer’s life on screen, he was a crazy boxing enthusiast. For his movies, he used to train with real fighters. Once, this move cost him a lot.

During a sparring session with a boxing legend, he had a near death. How did it happen?

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In 1982, when Shavers was going through the fading days of his career, he decided to try something else. This curiosity took him to the film industry. He became part of Rocky III, starring Stallone as Rocky Balboa.

One day, while sparring, Stallone asked Shavers to show his real power and hit him hard. Unfortunately, it did not go well as Stallone had expected. Shavers landed his left hand, which was not even his strongest.

After the horrible incident, Stallone said, “That’s the closest I’ve ever come to death.” According to Jot Down, the punch was so heavy that it forced the actor to escort himself to the bathroom to throw up.

Where is Earnie Shavers now?

The former two-time heavyweight title challenger, who fought the likes of legendary boxers, Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes, recently passed away. He took his last breath earlier this month at the age of 78.

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The reason for his passing is not clear. Although it can be attributed to his age. The funeral for the legend was planned on September 17.

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The most iconic moment in his career came when he challenged Ali for the world title. Though Ali won the fight by decision, he was amazed by Shavers’ performance.

After the fight, Ali said, “Earnie Shavers, yeah, man stronger than George Foreman. He hit hard. He’s got to hit his record and I wonder why I picked over him at this late in my career. I didn’t really believe he was as good as he was. I predicted he will down around seven, but he was good. He took all I had. He hit real hard.”

Later, he challenged Larry Holmes for the title and lost the bout.

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What do you think of Shavers’ punching power? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Abhishek Singh is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. Following the completion of his training as an amateur boxer, he is currently preparing to appear for trials at the state and national levels. With over 3 years of experience in playing the sport, Abhishek is also the holder of a Bachelor's in Arts degree from the University of Delhi.

Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale

‘That’s the Closest I’ve Ever Come to Death’: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Rival Sylvester Stallone Almost Died Because of Immature Stunt With Boxing Legend

Where is Earnie Shavers now?

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