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RockyFest kicks off with surprise statue of underdog boxer in Philadelphia

Sylvester Stallone loans second cast for first-ever festival honoring franchise, including bus tour and mural unveiling

The city of Philadelphia is hosting its first “RockyFest” in honor of the film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone as the boxing protagonist – and included an event-opening surprise at the top of the so-called Rocky Steps. The scene of the underdog boxer, Rocky Balboa, climbing the stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in triumph after a run became iconic and continues to be referenced throughout popular culture. A statue of the fictional character was presented in a scene in Rocky III, and Stallone gifted the real thing from his personal collection to the city of Philadelphia in 1982.

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