By Robert Karpeles
Hollywood's impact on the sports culture was felt loud and clear Tuesday in the boxing world.
Think Adriannnnnnnnnnn loud.
Along with Mike Tyson and Julio Chavez, actor, writer Sylvester Stallone was honored into the 12-member 2011 class for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum.
Stallone wrote and starred in the film "Rocky," an inspiring story about an underdog nicknamed the "Italian Stallion" from Philadelphia who was given a chance at the heavyweight championship of the world. The film won best picture, director and editing at the 1976 Academy Awards.
Stallone also wrote six movies in total for the "Rocky" series.
Stallone was inspired to create the film based off of the real-life fighter Rocky Marciano, as well as the famous fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner, who unexpectedly lasted 15 rounds with Ali before being knocked out.
"Rocky" is acclaimed by many as one of the best sports movies of all time.
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"It has been my privilege to have been blessed with the ability to write about the incredible courage and commitment of the many thousands of real-life Rockys whom we have watched perform honorably in the ring," Stallone said in a statement.
"The two things that brought boxing back to the forefront with the public was the great success of the 1976 Olympic team and when Sylvester Stallone gave us our heavyweight champion -- Rocky Balboa," Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward said. "I still get goosebumps when I hear the Rocky theme."
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