THIS boxing comedy drama offers the irresistible sight of Jake La Motta and Rocky Balboa slugging it out in the boxing ring as Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro revive memories if not the characters of two of their greatest screen successes.

Here they’re Henry “Razor” Sharp (that’s Sly) and Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (that’s Bob) who were once fierce rivals, winning a bout each. A rematch to settle matters never took place, effectively ending their careers.

Thirty years later, they’re sparring again, playing characters in a video game. Both men take the job because they need the money. Inevitably they begin fighting again in the film studio. That gives boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr (Kevin Hart) an idea to arrange a rematch that’ll settle once and for all who’s the champ.

Both are provided with emotional dramas that need to be settled. There’s the woman (Kim Basinger) who came between them and McDonnen’s estranged biological son (Jon Bernthal) who helps him get fighting fit again. And there’s the old trainer (the wonderful Alan Arkin, given all the best lines) who comes out of retirement to help Razor.

Stallone and De Niro amble through the roles which hardly stretch them but put up a credible show in the ring for the final grudge match.