Author of book 'Rocky Spirit' hopes to bid on 'Rocky' home

The rowhouse at 2313 S. Lambert Street has been filled with Rocky Balboa's spirit since 1979, when the fictional character used his earnings to buy the home in the film "Rocky II."

Now, Rocky spirit may literally come to the South Philly home.

Felice Cantatore, author of the motivational book "Rocky Spirit: The Rocky Balboa Connection to Success," says he is preparing to place a bid on the home, which went on the market last week.

"In my mind, I always wanted to own a piece of the film, never thinking that something like this would become available" Cantatore said. "This is an iconic piece of the film."

The 90-year-old, 1,306-square-foot home in the Girard Estate neighborhood is listed with an asking price of $139,000. It has three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms and a full basement.

The Long Island author said he's been fascinated by the Rocky story since he saw the first film in 1977.

"The character Rocky Balboa was so relatable," he said.

His book, he says, is "about using the principles of this underdog fighter to always go the distance."

Cantatore viewed the home last weekend and plans to take another look at the repairs the house needs this weekend before moving forward with any bid.

"If I am the lucky one to acquire the home, my goal is to restore it," he said.