George Washington Duke

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George Washington Duke is a fictional character and the main villain of Rocky V, portrayed by Richard Gant. 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.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

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. The corrupt promoter taunts Rocky with the famous quote: Touch me and I'll sue. Rocky punches Duke in the face and he lands on top of his car. Rocky replies, "Sue me for what?"

Rocky series
Rocky \| Rocky II \| Rocky III \| Rocky IV \| Rocky V \| Rocky Balboa
Characters
Rocky Balboa \| Mickey Goldmill \| Apollo Creed Clubber Lang \| Ivan Drago \| Tommy Gunn George Washington Duke \| Mason Dixon
Video games
Rocky \| Rocky Legends
Related articles
Rocky actors \| Rocky music \| Rocky Steps
Related articles (Boxing)
The distance \| The "Real" Rocky \| Southpaw \| World Heavyweight Championship