In which Rocky film does Rocky first fight Clubber Lang?

Rocky first fights Clubber Lang in Rocky III, the third film in the Rocky series, released in 1982.

At the beginning of the movie, Rocky Balboa is the reigning world heavyweight champion and has defended his title ten times. His success has made him wealthy and famous, but it has also made him complacent. Clubber Lang, a younger and highly determined contender, rises through the rankings and publicly challenges him during a ceremony in Philadelphia.

Their first match takes place at the Philadelphia Spectrum. A confrontation between the two camps causes Rocky’s longtime trainer, Mickey Goldmill, to suffer a fatal heart attack. Distracted and emotionally devastated, Rocky enters the fight badly prepared. Lang overwhelms him and wins by knockout in the second round, taking the heavyweight championship.

Rocky III then shifts into a comeback story. Former rival Apollo Creed trains Rocky in speed, footwork, and ring strategy, helping him prepare for a rematch. Rocky defeats Lang by third-round knockout in the same film. Rocky V concerns Tommy Gunn, while Rocky IV centers on Ivan Drago.