35 years ago today, in Moscow, Russia, "The Italian Stallion" Rocky Balboa defeated "The Siberian Express" Ivan Drago via 15th round knockout in what is still considered one of the greatest wars in combat sports history 🥊

Many questioned Balboa's decision to fight Drago following the death of his friend Apollo Creed during an exhibition bout with the Russian earlier in the year. Balboa was criticised for failing in his duty as a cornerman by not throwing in the towel when Creed was clearly done.
Drago showed no mercy and no remorse for the former heavyweight champion of the world. Creed would pass away in the ring in what is still considered one of the darkest days in boxing history.
It didn't take long for Balboa and Drago to come to terms and agree to throw down but even the press were stunned to learn the date and location at the pre-fight press conference. Christmas day in the Russian capital.
Drago was heralded as the perfect combination of genetics and science, using some of the most state of art training facilities and equipment available at the time. The result was the highest punching power ever achieved by a boxer. A record that still stands to this day.
Balboa left the comfort of Philadelphia to set up camp in enemy territory, escaping from the media circus stateside and getting back to basics. Some say the bare bones environment, coupled with more traditional training methods helped him get into the best shape of his career.
One thing was undeniable. Both Balboa and Drago headed into their December 25th, 1985 bout with focus, dedication and in peak physical condition.
Before the contest got underway, the two heavyweights faced off for the final time, and it was in that moment Drago delivering the now iconic and infamous line.
It was a rocky start for Balboa getting dropped early on. It looked as though the fight was on course to go the same way as it had done for Creed. Drago came out strong, aggressive and with a killer instinct.
Just when the entire world thought Balboa was out, he roared back and was able to do what no man had done before; take the fight to Drago. What ensued was a back and forth battle, the likes of which we had never seen before. We were watching a classic.
In the final round of the fight the momentum was fully in Balboa's favour and after a flurry of shots, chipping away at Drago's chin, he landed one final left hook which dropped the Russian behemoth.
With Drago unable to answer the 10 count, Balboa had done the unthinkable. He had defeated one of the most terrifying fighters of all time and in his own backyard no less.
During the post fight interview, Balboa delivered a speech that proved to be very instrumental in helping ease tension between the US and Russia at the height of the Cold War.
Since then, the fight has become legendary and is thought of fondly by combat sport historians and fans alike. Two fighters from different corners of the world and from different generations, shed blood and gave their all, for our entertainment. Merry Christmas everyone.

More from Sport

Watching this play sent me down a memory hole that gave me goosebumps as well as a pang of guilt. Let me explain. A THREAD!


In 2011, I was hosting the ESPYs. Marshawn’s run was nominated for Best Play, an award that was voted on by fans online. It was considered a front runner if not a lock.

Two days before the show, we're all watching the US/Brazil game in the Women’s World Cup. In the 122 minute Abby Wambach scored a header from a brilliant cross via Megan Rapinoe. I asked ESPN’s estimable producer, the late, great Maura Mandt if we could add it to the nominees.

The best thing about the ESPYs is, unlike other award shows that take themselves too seriously, there is a “fuck it, why not” attitude so Maura just made it happen. Maura was great at making things happen. Want another example?

One of the highlights of the ESPYs is the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. When my son Ashe was born Maura gifted him this fake ESPY for BEST CHILD NAMED ASHE. I am confident this is the only ESPY anyone related to me will ever win.

You May Also Like

I'm going to do two history threads on Ethiopia, one on its ancient history, one on its modern story (1800 to today). 🇪🇹

I'll begin with the ancient history ... and it goes way back. Because modern humans - and before that, the ancestors of humans - almost certainly originated in Ethiopia. 🇪🇹 (sub-thread):


The first likely historical reference to Ethiopia is ancient Egyptian records of trade expeditions to the "Land of Punt" in search of gold, ebony, ivory, incense, and wild animals, starting in c 2500 BC 🇪🇹


Ethiopians themselves believe that the Queen of Sheba, who visited Israel's King Solomon in the Bible (c 950 BC), came from Ethiopia (not Yemen, as others believe). Here she is meeting Solomon in a stain-glassed window in Addis Ababa's Holy Trinity Church. 🇪🇹


References to the Queen of Sheba are everywhere in Ethiopia. The national airline's frequent flier miles are even called "ShebaMiles". 🇪🇹