In Rocky III, Rocky knocks out Clubber Lang in which rematch round?

In Rocky III, Rocky knocks out Clubber Lang in the third round of their rematch.

The rematch follows Lang’s second-round knockout victory over Rocky in their first title fight, a defeat made worse by the death of Rocky’s longtime trainer, Mickey Goldmill. Apollo Creed then helps Rocky rebuild his technique, emphasizing speed, footwork, and sharper boxing skills rather than relying solely on his familiar slugging style.

At Madison Square Garden, Rocky dominates the opening round of the rematch. Lang gains momentum in the second, but Rocky deliberately absorbs punishment and taunts him, provoking the younger challenger into wasting energy. By the third round, Lang is angry, tired, and increasingly reckless.

Rocky exploits that weakness with a rapid combination that ends in a knockout and restores him as heavyweight champion. The scene is often confused with the first bout, which Lang wins by stopping Rocky in round two. The film then concludes with Rocky and Apollo beginning a private friendly sparring match, leaving the result unseen; that is separate from Rocky’s official third-round victory over Lang.