Union Cane

"The whipping you got ain't nothing like what I got here for ya"

―Union Cane to Rocky Balboa

Union Cane (born on June 14th, 1962) is a retired heavyweight boxer and former heavyweight champion.

In 1985 (Rocky V), Cane was the top contender and next in line for a shot at Rocky Balboa's heavyweight championship, but upon arriving home from Russia and discovering that he had serious brain injuries, Balboa was forced to vacate his heavyweight championship. A fight was made by George Washington Duke between Cane and Clubber Lang for the vacant heavyweight championship in 1990 and Cane won the bout by UD . Cane was considered to be a paper champion by the public as he never defeated Rocky to win the title. George Washington Duke tried several times to make a fight between Cane and Balboa, but Balboa refused several times. Eventually, Cane defended his championship against Balboa's pupil Tommy Gunn, Gunn won by KO in the first round.

Biography[]

Early Life[]

There isn't much information surrounding the early life of Union Cane, but it is known that Cane's rise up the rankings of the heavyweight division was very fast and that he was from New Jersey. In 1985, the boxing world was focused on two major events, Apollo Creed vs. Ivan Drago and Rocky Balboa vs. Ivan Drago. During this time, according to Rocky (2002 video game), Union Cane worked his way up the rankings and by the end of 1985 was recognized as a hot fighter in America while Balboa was in Russia. Along the way, Cane linked up with George Washington Duke, the boxing world's number one promoter. At this time, Cane would have been recognized as one of the biggest names in boxing, if not the biggest.

Rocky V[]

Pursuing Rocky Balboa[]

On December 25th, 1985, Rocky Balboa defeated Ivan Drago by KO and shortly after returned to the United States. Upon returning, Balboa held a press conference, speaking about the fight and his future. During the conference, George Washington Duke with Union Cane at his side interrupted and challenged Balboa to a boxing match. Duke made the challenge for Cane, informing Balboa that Cane is the number one contender for the title and that he wants a shot! Cane only had a few words saying ''Balboa I want the chance to take what you got!'' and "The whipping you got ain't nothing like what I got here for ya". Duke assured the media that the paycheck would be the most any champion has ever received, announcing that the fight would take place in Tokyo, Japan. Balboa's wife Adrian interrupted and informed the media that Balboa would not take the fight because he is retired. Balboa didn't confirm these claims, instead speaking about the flight and then leaving the press conference without answering the challenge or confirming his retirement.

Balboa would lose his house and all of his money after some shady business from his accountant. At this time, Balboa considered the idea of facing Union Cane. When he had trouble at home, Adrian insisted he see a doctor. The doctor prescribed an MRI, which showed severe cranial trauma. The doctor said that Ivan Drago had caused such brain damage that it was a miracle Rocky did not suffer the same fate as Apollo Creed. Now coming to grips with the fact another fight would mean certain death, not to mention against a skilled ranked heavyweight like Cane, Rocky publicized his retirement. Duke tried again to challenge Balboa for Cane, tracking him down on the streets of Philadelphia and telling him that Cane is going for the vacated title on the 14th, offering Balboa tickets to the event. Duke then requests that Balboa reconsider a fight against Cane for ''one hell of a payday." Balboa denied it, telling Duke that he is officially retired. Duke would then pull out Balboa's medical report and tell him that there is a way they can get around it and get him licensed to fight. Balboa considers it for a moment before Adrian, who was working at the pet store across the street, runs over, and tells Duke to leave her husband alone. Duke ignores Adrian and issues the challenge to Balboa one last time, prompting Adrian to yell ''He's DONE!" Duke calls Balboa a fool.

Becoming Undisputed Heavyweight Champion[]

Canewinstitle — Cane celebrating his championship victory.

Cane is seen in the limousine with Duke and his associate. Duke is frustrated but ensures that he will get Balboa! Cane speaks up and says "I'll fight Balboa right now! I'm better than Balboa ever was." Duke snaps at this, telling Cane that he holds the paper on him and that he will fight who he tells him, where he tells, and when he tells him. Duke's associate tells Cane not to bite the hand that feeds him, causing Cane to fall in line. Duke says that he will get Balboa, all he needs is an angle. Cane challenged successfully for the Heavyweight Championship on the 14th, defeating an unnamed opponent for the vacant title.

Cane vs. Gunn[]

Cane held onto the title from 1990 to 1991 when he was challenged by Tommy "The Machine" Gunn, Gunn was taken under Rocky Balboa's wing, Balboa trained and managed Gunn until George Washington Duke stepped in, clouding Gunn's mind with the things Balboa couldn't give him, a title match and more money. Gunn knocked Union Cane out in the first round to win the Heavyweight Championship.

Personality and Traits[]

"I'll fight Balboa right now! I'm better than Balboa ever was"

―Union Cane to George Washington Duke

Cane doesn't speak a lot, but when he does, it is usually to trash-talk his opponent. Cane seems to fit the mold of a gifted athlete who is otherwise not too gifted, being brash and lacking social graces or intellect. He is one of the hottest names in boxing, has beaten many opponents to get to the top, and has won the title. He has all the reason to tell the world he is the best. Cane doesn't seem to have any fear of competition either, claiming that he will fight Rocky Balboa ''anytime'' and that he is ''better than Balboa ever was.''

Cane is also very competitive and focused according to Rocky (2002 Video Game) Stating that he is always "extremely fit", and one who "takes all his opponents seriously, studying their boxing style before each fight" Balboa takes note of this before his fight with Gunn, noticing Cane and mentioning that he looks to be in great shape.

Boxing Style[]

Union Cane is only seen in one fight but based on the description in Rocky (2002 Video Game), Cane is described as a gifted boxer with speed and power; a good all-rounder. He's also described as being "sharp as a razor.''

Professional Boxing Record[]

By the end of 1985, Union Cane had 27 wins, 1 draw, and suffered 1 defeat.

Boxing Attires[]

Accomplishments[]

Heavyweight Champion; WBA, and WBC Heavyweight Champion (2 time, 1990 - 1991, 1991-1995)

Quotes[]

''Balboa I want the chance to take what you got!'' - Union Cane to Rocky Balboa
"The whipping you got ain't nothing like what I got here for ya" - Union Cane to Rocky Balboa
"I'll fight Balboa right now! I'm better than Balboa ever was" - Union Cane to George Washington Duke

Trivia[]

Union Cane was played by real-life boxer, and former NABF heavyweight champion, Mike Williams in the film Rocky V.
The fight of Union Cane vs. Tommy Gunn was one of the few fights seen in the series that did not involve Rocky Balboa as a contestant.
After the movie was finished the real Mike Williams was supposed to face the WBO heavyweight champion at the time, Tommy Morrison. The promoters called it "Union Cane vs. Tommy Gunn for real". However, Williams injured himself and the fight never took place.
According to the 2002 Rocky video game, Cane was very popular in the US while Rocky was in Russia, and was nicknamed America's Hottest Fighter.
There are rumors declaring Cane was involved in fixing matches (as implied by Duke's declaration that he controls Cane via the contract he signed). Another "example" is being knocked down in the first round against Tommy Gunn, which is suspicious given Cane's talent and experience.