We’ve read a lot of Rocky content over the years, but Felice Cantatore’s Rocky Spirit? This one’s different. It’s not fiction. It’s not just another fan tribute. It’s the real deal—written by a guy who didn’t just watch Rocky, he lived it.
Felice is a longtime friend of TotalRocky.com, and we’ve followed his journey for years. So when his book landed in our hands, we dove in like it was round 15 against Apollo.
The Italian Stallion’s Influence, Page by Page
Rocky Spirit starts like all of our own stories—with that first unforgettable moment watching the original Rocky in 1976. Felice takes us from that wide-eyed childhood experience through every installment in the franchise—yes, even the street fight in Rocky V—and straight into the emotional finale in Rocky Balboa (2006).
This isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It’s a blueprint of how one fan turned Rocky’s philosophy into fuel for his own life. The story’s full of those moments we dream about: meeting Burt Young (a.k.a. Paulie), bumping into Talia Shire before Rocky II dropped, even catching Stallone himself at the set of Rocky Balboa.
Inside the Mandalay Bay Fight Scene: A Fan’s View
One of the high points? Felice’s firsthand account of the filming of Rocky Balboa at Mandalay Bay in Vegas. We were there too—and it’s a trip comparing his experience to ours. The way he captures the atmosphere, the prep, the energy inside the arena… it’s like stepping into the ring yourself. If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at Rocky’s final fight against Mason Dixon, this is your ticket.
40 Rocky Fans in Grey Sweats Storm the Steps
In one of the book’s most memorable chapters, Felice orchestrates a full-blown Philly-style stunt—rallying 40 die-hard fans to run the Art Museum steps in grey sweats. Why? To get noticed by the studio ahead of the Rocky Balboa premiere. That hustle? That’s pure Balboa spirit.
The group even hit up key filming locations like Rocky’s apartment and Mighty Mick’s Gym. And yes, we’re proud to say TotalRocky.com even gets a shoutout for our long-running guide to the Rocky movie landmarks.
Faith, Fight, and Going the Distance
The book closes on a powerful note. Felice’s journey isn’t just about fandom—it’s about faith, perseverance, and that Rocky-style refusal to stay down. He trains. He fights. He even steps into the ring. And in the end, he shows us all that Rocky’s not just a movie—it’s a mindset.
Final Bell: Should You Read It?
If you’re a serious fan of the Rocky series, this book belongs on your shelf. Rocky Spirit captures what it really means to live with that Balboa fire—whether you’re stepping into the gym, chasing a dream, or just trying to go one more round. Grab a copy on Amazon.
This isn’t just a book review. It’s a nod to a fellow fan who made the leap from viewer to participant—and did it with heart.
