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For two days he wanted Tiger Woods. When he finally got him, he joked that Tiger was already a little nervous. Naples’ Rocco Mediate just wanted to see where he stood toe-to-toe for 18 holes against the man he said, “is the best player ever.”

For 18 holes, he was every bit his equal.

Rocco never wanted a 19th hole.

It is dripping with irony that Rocco Mediate’s favorite movie is “Rocky.” Rocky Balboa was a journeyman fighter. Rocco Mediate is considered by those in golf as a journeyman pro (where else does five wins and over $14 million in career earnings get you so little respect?).

Rocky went toe-to-toe with undefeated heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Rocco went shot-for-shot with golf’s undefeated heavyweight champion Tiger Woods (now 14-0 when leading heading into the final round of a major).

Rocky was losing badly to Apollo when the referee came to his corner and threatened to stop the fight. Rocco was bleeding all over Torrey Pines after three-putting the ninth and chunking a chip on 10 to make back-to-back bogeys. He trailed Tiger Woods by three shots with eight holes to play.

It was over! Stop the fight! This could get ugly.

Rocky yelled at the referee “You ain’t stopping nothing!” Rocco yelled at himself, “Hey, you wanted this chance, don’t blow it now!”

Rocky found a second wind and began to land thunderous body shots that drew blood from the champ’s mouth. Rocco, with a flair that would make his golfing idol Arnold Palmer proud, suddenly charged into the lead with back-to-back-to-back birdies.

In the movie, they chanted “Rocky, Rocky, Rocky!”

At Torrey Pines, the course that Tiger dominates more than any other, they chanted “Rocco, Rocco, Rocco!”

In the movie, Rocky never lands that final knockout punch.

At the U.S. Open, Rocco staggered Tiger with one knee literally buckling for three days. Rocco had him on the ropes.

Tiger was hurt and in trouble.

Over two days, four times on the 18th hole Rocco was one putt away from winning.

Twice he missed.

Twice Tiger didn’t.

He never has.

Rocky won the crowd while Apollo Creed won a split decision.

Rocco won the crowd while Tiger retains his title.

The movie is considered a classic.

The golf was better.

“Rocky” won Oscars.

Rocco Mediate gets a big check and a piece of history.

It feels like Rocco deserves more.

Let’s hope there is a sequel.

Or two, or three or four ...

David Moulton is co-host of “Miller and Moulton in the Afternoon.” The show can be heard weekdays 3-7 p.m. on SportsRadio 770/ESPN. You can e-mail David directly at millerandmoulton@sportsradio770.com