Claim: Clubber Lang is fictional.

Robert `` Rocky '' Balboa is the title character of the Rocky series . The character was created by Sylvester Stallone , who also portrayed him in all seven Rocky films . He is depicted as an everyman who started out by going the distance and overcoming obstacles that had occurred in his life and career as a professional boxer . While he is loosely based on Chuck Wepner , a one-time boxer who fought Muhammad Ali and lost on a TKO in the 15th round , the inspiration for the name , iconography and fighting style came from boxing legend Rocky Marciano .   The character is widely considered to be Stallone 's most iconic role and is often considered the role that started his film career . He received critical acclaim for his performance in the first movie , earning Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations . When Stallone reprised his role once again in 2015 for Creed , his performance received wide acclaim and he received his first Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor , along with his third Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor , the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor and several other accolades .