FROM THE NEWS ARCHIVES OF CINEMA CONFIDENTIAL

Roy Jones Jr. sought for "Rocky 6"
POSTED ON 10/17/05 AT 4:00 A.M.
BY ETHAN AAMES

Variety reports that boxer Roy Jones Jr. is being sought to play Rocky Balboa's opponent, Mason Dixon, in "Rocky 6." The sixth film in the "Rocky" franchise is scheduled to begin shooting in 2006 in Philadelphia and Las Vegas.

Stallone is reprising his role as Rocky Balboa, while Burt Young willi return in the role of Paulie. The rest of the cast will reportedly be unknowns.

Stallone said the story has the aging, widowed Rocky initially refusing a chance to get back in the ring.

"There's a computer fight between the reigning world champion and Balboa, and Balboa wins," he said.

"The champion's management says let's do this for real, for charity. Rocky says no but decides to be true to himself even though he's going to be berated by everyone. Just to compete, not to win."

Stallone is expected to direct the film, while Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler and Kevin King are producing. Bill Conti, who wrote the original "Rocky" score, will return as well.