Mason Dixon

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Mason "The Line" Dixon (born November 21, 1982), played by real-life boxer Antonio Tarver, is the primary opponent of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa in the 2006 motion picture Rocky Balboa. His nickname references the historic Mason-Dixon line. Dixon bears a resemblance to real-life boxer Mike Tyson due to his ability to knock people out early.

[edit] Movie

At the beginning of the movie, Mason Dixon (24 years old) is at the height of his career at 33-0-0 with 30 KOs. A Tampa, Florida native who resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mason is currently the world heavyweight champion. He apparently once had a competitive career which initially gained him fame and the title; however, over the years, with the waning Heavyweight division and boxing in general, he fails to capture the fans of the sport with worthwhile contenders.

This is most evident in his latest defense, where after a quick knockout win, the spectators pelt him with ice.

Dixon lives a lavish lifestyle; even his training facilities are high-tech, a stark contrast to his old Vegas gym. Well aware of his status in the eyes of boxing fans, he even steals away from company, retreating to his fleet of cars to watch video of his latest match, the comments from Jim Lampley of his status in the boxing community irritating him. He retreats to his old gym once more, and confides in his former trainer, who mentions that soon enough, he will be tested by a formidable opponent, and history will be written in that moment.

ESPN broadcasted "Then and Now", a segment pitting the best athletes of the past against the best of the present, and Dixon was matched up against Rocky Balboa, the former two-time champion. After the simulation ended in a 11th round knockout victory of Balboa over Dixon, Dixon's promoters heavily detract the simulation, going as far as to insult Balboa for owning a small Philadelphia restaurant.

Though he did want more money and respect, Dixon initially refused to fight Balboa, arguing with his managers that he would easily defeat Rocky. Insulted at the notion that Balboa would be a challenge to him, Dixon dismisses his promoters and gets back with his old trainer in Las Vegas after having changed his mind and accepting the bout.

It is a 10-round exhibition match, and Dixon stated that the only worries that the press and boxing community in general had to have were about Balboa's health would be how hard he fought in the ring. Mason became enraged at the press conference, stating that he was fighting Balboa for the fans; finding a decent contender, despite his age, to appease people who would otherwise abandon the sport because of the decline in personalities.

Dixon knowing that he is much quicker and powerful at this stage of life and does not want to hurt him goes even further to insult Balboa, saying that if the former champion pressed him, he would quickly end the fight.

The match comes, however, and proves a great challenge for Dixon. Rocky loses the fight by decision, but he wins in the fact that he went the distance, which is truly what he was fighting for. Dixon also gains respect from the crowd, having finally been tested against an opponent who pressed him to go the distance.