Stallone settles legal battle with 'real Rocky'

Sylvester Stallone has settled a legal fight with an ex-boxer who was credited with inspiring the Rocky films.

The actor had been involved in the dispute with Chuck Wepner since 2003.

Wepner said the character of Rocky Balboa was based on him - especially his fight with Muhammad Ali in 1975 - and wanted compensation.

Wepner claimed Sylvester Stallone did not keep promises that he would be paid for the use of his story and that the actor improperly used his name to promote the films.

He was seeking $15m (€11.6m).

However, Stallone said Wepner had already benefited by making public appearances as "the real Rocky".

Lawyers have now filed notice that they have settled the legal action for undisclosed terms ahead of the release of the sixth Rocky film in December.