Sylvester Stallone has described his glee at receiving a coveted World Boxing Council (WBC) belt celebrating Rocky’s 40th anniversary – two years after the occasion passed.

UK Premiere of Rocky Balboa – London
Sylvester Stallone at the UK premiere of Rocky Balboa at the Vue Leicester Square in 2007

The actor showed off the emerald green trophy, which depicts Rocky characters including Balboa and Clubber Lang, as well as real-life greats such as Muhammad Ali.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman presented the belt to Stallone, who said he would “treasure (it) always”.

He said in a video posted on Instagram: “This fantastic belt was done a couple of years ago to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rocky but unfortunately I didn’t get it at that time.

“But they were so nice, Sulaiman finally brought this to me and I am going to cherish it. And I just want to say to everyone: You better keep punchin’.”