Carl Weathers' most iconic Apollo Creed moments as Rocky legend dies aged 76
Carl Weathers' death has caused devastation across the globe after it was announced he "died peacefully in his sleep".
The actor's family confirmed on Friday he died at the age of 76 in an emotional tribute, where he was remembered as a "beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend". Carl had enjoyed an incredible career over the years, but it was his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise which skyrocketed him to fame.
In the films, heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed gave Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) his shot at the title, bonding the pair for life. Here, we take a look at some of Carl's most iconic moments from the legendary boxing movies.
The journey begins
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Apollo Creed decided to give Rocky Balboa a chance in the original movie (@Rocky/youtube)Apollo Creed was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world before Rocky Balboa. When a top-ranking challenger backed out on fighting Apollo at the last minute, he decided he needed a new opponent.
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When no other fighter would step up to fight Creed, the world champion decided it would be a good publicity stunt to take on an underdog. He gave a chance to the Italian Stallion simply because he liked his fighting name.
Thinking he would have an easy fight, Creed told his promoter he was "thinking smart" by choosing to fight the south paw. Apollo also described the fight as a "sentimental" bout for the fans.
Rocky and Apollo's iconic fight
Rocky had a great fight against ApolloOnce Apollo and Rocky made it into the ring, the Italian Stallion showed what he's made of and put up a real fight. Rocky knocked Apollo to the ground in the first round and became the first fighter to go all 15 rounds with the champion.
The vicious bout famously ends in Balboa losing to Creed by split decision, but set up what was to be a long-running storyline for the pair. When Rocky finally agreed to a rematch, the fight exhausted them. When both boxers went down at the same time in the 15th round, it became a contest of will. Whoever could get back to their feet first would be crowned champion - and Rocky managed to pull himself to victory.
'There is no tomorrow'
Apollo agreed to train Rocky (@Rocky/youtube)In Rocky III, the Italian Stallion agrees to take on a challenge from Clubber Lang (played by Mr. T), despite being ready to announce his retirement. The fight is full of drama and tragedy.
After Lang violently pushed Rocky's manager Mickey Goldmill, he had a heart attack which left Rocky distraught. The boxer wanted to call off the match, but Mickey encouraged him to go on while he received care in the medical room.
Lang dominated Rocky in the ring and finished him off to become the world heavyweight championship. After the match, Rocky told a dying Mickey the match ended in a second round knockout, but didn't say who won. Mickey told Rocky: "I love ya, kid," before his death.
Following the fight, Rocky lost his credibility as a champion, and had to fight to get it back. Apollo stepped in and offered to train Rocky back into fighting shape.
In one motivational moment, Apollo is in the ring with Rocky, punching him repeatedly, before shouting: "Damn Rock, come on! What's the matter with you?" An exhausted Rocky replied: "Tomorrow," but Apollo wasn't going to take that for an answer. "There is no tomorrow! There is no tomorrow!" he shot back.
Tragic Ivan Drago fight
Apollo fought the tough Ivan Drago (@rocky)Apollo could never quite come to terms with the idea of retirement and so after five years out of the ring, he decided to take on Ivan Drago, a professional boxer from the Soviet Union. The fight was supposed to be a friendly exhibition.
Rocky star Carl Weathers dead at 76
After developing a firm friendship, Rocky was in Apollo's corner every step of the way. However, the fight quickly turned from a friendly competition to a deadly match as Drago splattered Creed's blood all over the ring.
The fight was turning into a slaughter, but Apollo made Rocky promise he wouldn't stop the fight. His final words were: "No matter what," before Ivan delivered a fatal blow just moments later. Apollo's death was the one thing that then forced Rocky out of retirement.
'What matters is what he stood for'
Rocky shared a heartbreaking tribute to his friend (@rocky)After Apollo's death, Rocky gave an emotional speech at his funeral. "There's a lot I can say about this man, but I don't know if it matters now. I guess what matters is what he stood for, what he lived for and what he died for," Rocky said.
He added: "You always did everything the way you wanted it. I didn't understand that, but now I understand it. I'll never forget you Apollo." Rocky then placed Apollo's champion belt on his casket.
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