George Washington Duke

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George Washington Duke is a fictional character portrayed by Richard Gant in Rocky V. He is a successful and flamboyant boxing promoter who wants to lure Rocky Balboa into a championship match with Union Cane. He is modelled on real-life boxing promoter Don King.

Because of brain damage and a fear that additional fights could jeopardize his health, Rocky retires from the sport. George Washington Duke then turns to Tommy Gunn, a young and hungry brawler from Oklahoma. Trained by Rocky, Gunn is referred to in the media as 'Rocky's Robot'. Duke takes advantage of Gunn's growing resentment toward Rocky. Duke offers Gunn riches, a Cadillac Allante, a red-headed bimbo, and a chance to get out from under Rocky's shadow. Gunn leaves Rocky, and proceeds to defeat Union Cane for the heavyweight title in Philadelphia. After the fight, Gunn goes to a South Philadelphia bar where Rocky is playing pinball and challenges his former trainer to a fight. Rocky initially declines, but agrees to a street fight after Gunn punches Rocky's brother-in-law, Paulie Pennino. Duke encourages Gunn to save the fighting for the ring, and tells the new champ if he loses to Rocky on the street, he's finished. Rocky wins the street fight, and punches George Washington Duke after its over. It's unknown if George Washington Duke followed through on his promise to sue Rocky if he touched him.

Rocky Series
Rocky | Rocky II | Rocky III | Rocky IV | Rocky V | Rocky Balboa
Characters
Rocky Balboa | Apollo Creed | Clubber Lang Ivan Drago | Tommy Gunn | Mason Dixon
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