Sylvester Stallone nostalgic on 40th anniversary of 'Rocky II'

On 40th anniversary of "Rocky II", Hollywood heavyweight Sylvester Stallone said he is "incredibly grateful" to audience for accepting and loving  characters from his boxing sports-drama franchise.

actor, who starred as Rocky Balboa,  eponymous southpaw boxer from Philelphia, also wrote and directed blockbuster sequel which hit atres on June 15, 1979.

In his Instagram post, Stallone recalled  characters -- Rocky's beloved wife rian, his trainer-manr Mickey Goldmill and opponent Apollo Creed.

"A heartfelt thank you for accepting se characters and ir stories into your lives! It seems like only yesterday when rian was telling me to 'WIN! And Mickey pushing me to be an 'Italian Tank! and go through him!' 

"... and finally battle with amazing Apollo Creed... So lucky I am, and incredibly grateful after all this time and I shall always be, Keep punching, Sly," he posted on Sunday, June 16.

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Talia Shire played rian, Burgess Meredith starred as Mickey and Carl Wears was seen as Apollo.

Stallone, 72, shared a screenshot of an article touting movie as "ultimate sequel".

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film picks up from where 1976's original left, with Rocky expecting a good life after a split decision loss to Apollo. But after he fails at both s and a series of low w jobs, Rocky realises boxing is his means to survival.

On or hand, Apollo is facing sharp criticism from fans. He challenges Rocky to a rematch, which Apollo loses. It's a win-win for both boxers as Rocky is declared World Heavyweight Champion for first time also earning his opponent's respect and Apollo regaining his fan base after a fair fight.