It's all too easy to have this misconception of Rocky's final bout on the silver screen and admittedly those were my feelings when a friend dragged me along to the cinema.
Because, however unlikely it sounds, boxing plays second fiddle to the characterization in this sixth instalment of the Rocky opus.
Much time has passed since Rocky last left the ring and the retired champion now runs a popular restaurant.
However, Rocky's mind still lingers in the past and accompanied by his brother-in-law Paulie he drives around all the hotspots that used to mean so much to him.
Following the death of his wife, his dwindled boxing career and his troubled relationship with his son, the ex-champion feels washed out and some scenes have a convincing air of gloom to them.
When Rocky sees his opportunity to have another shot at the big time he is initially reluctant but eventually views it as something he has to do to redeem himself in his own eyes.
What's great about this film is that it works well when, by rights, it really shouldn't. Sequels like this are often little more than commercial venture to cash in on a popular franchise.
But in this case, Stallone has never been on better acting form and lends Rocky an effortless grace.
And, although perhaps predictable, the ending is a satisfying finale to a slice of Hollywood history.
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