Alexei Ivanovich Baluk (Russian: Алексей Иванович Бапик; born August 10, 1958) was a Russian amateur boxer who competed as a Heavyweight in various bouts that took place in Russia. Baluk was nicknamed "The Russian Bear". He is a playable character in Rocky: Legends.
In 1985, Baluk along with Ivan Drago were two soldiers selected to fight in a boxing match that was being scouted by political advisor Nicolai Koloff and boxing trainer Sergеi Rimsky. Koloff and Rimsky were searching for a prospect that could travel to the United States and challenge for the Heavyweight Championship, hoping to prove that the USSR had superior athletes compared to the USA. Baluk was KO'd by Ivan Drago. It is unknown if Baluk ever turned pro.
Amateur Career[]
Alexei Baluk was born and raised in Russia He was a soldier in the USSR Army. In 1985, Baluk was one of the many soldiers that were selected by high ranking political advisor Nicolai Koloff and boxing trainer Sergi Igor Rimsky. Koloff and Rimsky were searching for a prospect that could travel to the United States and challenge for the Heavyweight Championship, hoping to prove that the USSR had superior athletes compared to the USA. Baluk was placed against fellow soldier Ivan Drago, Drago KO'd Baluk and eventually went on to become the soldier that was chosen to travel to the USA. It is unknown if Baluk ever turned pro.
Baluk was known as a typical Eastern Bloc fighter, he stood tall, always came forward, hit hard, and never gave in. Baluk was compared to a bear because it's like fighting a bear when you're in the ring with him. He was strong, resilient, and most dangerous when hurt and backed against a wall.[1]