The world-famous "Rocky III" statue just got a major upgrade courtesy of the city of Philadelphia ... and the real-life Rocky wasn't about to miss the ceremony!!
Sylvester Stallone, who's in town filming "Creed 2," says he stopped by the bronzen Balboa earlier today to help unveil a plaque made for the statue 12 YEARS ago ... but got "misplaced" somehow (we blame Drago).
Joining Sly at the ceremony was Philly Mayor Jim Kenney ... and a pack of screaming "Rocky" fans!