Hollywood action hero Sylvester Stallone says he will re-enter the boxing ring in his new "Rocky" film.

Stallone, who played rags to riches boxer Rocky Balboa in the previous five films, says the plucky pugilist will no longer be the boxer he once was in the sixth instalment, reports celebrity portal Femalefirst.

He says: "It's going to happen. 'Rocky' is a widower and is well past his prime. He gets dragged into the ring for a publicity stunt, even though he knows he is being used".

Meanwhile, the muscle-bound actor, who is also working on a "Rambo" sequel, is planning to bring his hit US TV boxing show "The Contender" to Europe.

The 59-year-old star says he believes the show will be a success on the other side of the Atlantic because Europeans have a greater respect for boxing than their American counterparts.

He said: "I'm hoping to sign a Euro-Contender show, with two fighters from each country."