Joe Zale (born 1946) is an American professional boxer who competed during the 1970s until an unknown time. He competed in the Heavyweight Division. He is a playable character in Rocky Legends.
Professional Career
Joe Zale (born 1946) was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He competed in the Heavyweight Division for several years but was never able to challenge for the Heavyweight Championship. Zale's most famous fight wasn't a fight that took place during his professional career, instead, it was one that took place before he turned pro. In the early 1970s, Zale fought Rocky Balboa in a sanctioned street fight. At the time, neither Zale or Balboa were well-known professional boxers, meaning that they had difficulty finding fights. In need of money, Zale and Balboa fought in an unsanctioned street fight outside Mighty Mick's Gym, Balboa won the fight. Following the fight, Mickey Goldmill was impressed by Balboa, taking him in and offering training, meaning that Joe inadvertently started Rocky's friendship with Mickey. It is unknown what Zale's professional boxing record was.
During his prime, Zale was described as a fighter that wasn't too bright, but he hit like a truck.[1]