Sylvester Stallone shares throwback picture of his most ripped Rocky body

Sylvester Stallone shared a shredded throwback snap from when he was filming Rocky III alongside Mr T revealing just how dedicated he was to getting in shape for the role. 

The 72-year-old first played boxer Rocky Balboa back in 1976 and went on to star in five sequels and the Creed spin-off flicks. 

And it seems that when it came to looking the part, Stallone wasn’t afraid of a bit of hard work. 

The Hollywood star recently posted a slew of photos from Rocky III in which his character took on Clubber Lang (played by Mr T). 

Posting the photos in March last year, Stallone revealed that he managed to drop to less than three percent body fat, the star admitted that getting into that shape had been ‘tough’. 

Captioning the shots he explained: “Funny flashback because I have nothing interesting to report today. This is prepping for the Mr. T fight. He was one strong dude. Trust me. 

“This is also the lowest weight and body fat I ever was. 166 pounds and 2.8% body fat. That was tough.” 

Stallone’s fans were delighted by the throwback snaps, with one writing: “Incredible physique.”

Another commented: “You still look amazing… not many can get there and stay there, and you have. A legacy.”

A third said: “But you made it look effortless.”

While his dedication to the role is unquestionable, Stallone has revealed that one scene in Rocky IV could have killed him after things got a bit too real during filming. 

Fans of the franchise may remember that Rocky IV saw the boxer take on steroid-using Russian Ivan Drago. 

In the movie, the bout had serious repercussions for Rocky who ended up retiring - and in real life things were just as scary. 

Speaking last November, ahead of a re-cut release of the 1985 film, Stallone said: "In the first round, where he knocked me down, that is for real.

"He pulverised me and I did not feel it at that moment but later that night my heart started to swell. 

"He had bruised the perio cardio sac, which is when the heart hits the chest - like in a car accident when your chest hits the steering wheel.

"My blood pressure went up to 260. They thought I was going to be talking to angels."

Thankfully, Stallone was fine and went on to star in Rocky V, Rocky Balboa, Creed and Creed II.