MovieChat Forums > Rocky III (1982) Discussion > Clubber should have had a rematch.

Clubber should have had a rematch.

posted 3 years ago by hyljason (134)
4 replies | jump to latest

Both fights between Rocky and Clubber showed them both making the same mistake which cost them the fight respectively which was tiring themselves out by throwing predictable punches and haymakers but Rocky learned from his mistake, learned a new style and was able to win the rematch. Clubber could've done the same if there had been a third bout. And no, if Mickey was out there with Rock in the first fight it wouldn't have made a difference because Rock trained like horses*** for the match.

[–] Lord Rake (3827) 2 years ago

If Apollo didn't get a third match there is no way in hell Clubber was going to get one after getting beat so quickly. Rocky had the excuse that he was distracted in the first fight, and who knows if Lang wanted a rematch, like many fighters who go undefeated and then get beaten badly he might have lost his edge. Rocky took every punch Clubber had anyway, and it's very difficult for any boxer to keep throwing haymakers in the latter rounds.

[–] Obifuntoknowme (1099) 2 years ago

Could Lang have actually refused a rematch? He had won the title after all.

[–] Lord Rake (3827) 2 years ago

I don't know the rules exactly. I think a long standing champion has an opportunity for a rematch automatically but a new champion might not have the same chance for a rematch if he is defeated right after winning the belt.

[–] Sandman81 (1501) 2 years ago

Maybe he did get one in between 3 and 4, but we just didn't get to see it. My guess would be that Clubber didn't go back to his roots for training the way Rocky did and having been knocked out for the first time permanently took away a part of his edge and mystique. Apollo and Duke kept Rocky focused and in top shape, and he made quick work of Clubber, knocking him out in before the end of the second round. Reminiscent of Ali and Liston's rematch, but without the phantom KO punch.