In Creed, the British light-heavyweight champion Adonis fights at the end is Ricky Conlan.
Conlan is an established champion whose career is threatened by a prison sentence. His team offers Adonis a title opportunity, creating a high-profile contest between a recognized champion and the son of Apollo Creed.
Adonis enters the fight under the name Donnie Johnson, but the promotion emphasizes his connection to Apollo. The bout takes place in Liverpool, Conlan’s home city, and gives Adonis his first major world-title opportunity.
Adonis loses by split decision but earns respect by going the distance. Ricky Conlan is played by English professional boxer Tony Bellew. He should not be confused with Leo Sporino, Adonis’s earlier opponent, or Viktor Drago, who challenges Adonis in Creed II.