Rocky's friendship with Marie quickly blooms over the following weeks and he meets and bonds with Actions, offering him a much-needed buffer for his distress. On the other hand, on the professional boxing circuit, Mason "The Line" Dixon rules as the unbeaten yet unpopular heavyweight world champion, typically mocked for having actually never battled a real contender.
ESPN later broadcasts a computer system simulation of a battle between Rocky (in his prime) and Masonlikened to a modern-day variation of The Super Battlethat ends in a contested KO triumph for Balboa, additional riling the champ. In contrast, the simulation influences Rocky to use up boxing once again; an intention that goes public when he successfully renews his boxing license.
With some doubt, both men accept the match, producing a media buzz that stabs at Rocky's age and Dixon's trustworthiness. Research It Here makes an effort to prevent Rocky from battling, blaming his own personal failings on his dad's celeb shadow, but Rocky rebukes him with a motivating example from boxing and his recent life's setbacks in that winning is not about how tough one hits, however rather about how tough one can get hit and keep moving forward.
The next day, father and son fulfill over Adrian's tomb and fix up. Robert has stopped his job to be at Rocky's side. Rocky sets directly to training with Apollo Creed's (and later on his) old fitness instructor, Duke, who quickly speculates that the sluggish and arthritic Rocky can only complete by developing his strength and punching power as much as possible.
Rocky then makes a dramatic comeback, knocking Mason down, and unexpected the audience with his expertise and chin despite his age. The 2 contenders beat each other significantly throughout the complete ten rounds, ending with both guys still standing, although Rocky gets the last punch. Rocky thanks an appreciative Dixon for the match and tells him that he is a terrific champ, while the audience applauds the two fighters.
In the closing shot, Rocky returns house and check outs Adrian's tomb again, thanking her for assisting him; "Yo Adrian, we did it. We did it." As the credits roll, an inset functions people adding the Rocky Steps in reaction to a call from the director to do so for the film.