In Creed, Adonis Creed leaves Los Angeles before moving to Philadelphia to train with Rocky Balboa.
Adonis begins the film living in Los Angeles, where he works in finance while secretly pursuing professional boxing. He has access to comfort and privilege through his family, but he wants to prove that he belongs in boxing through his own effort.
After learning more about Apollo Creed and contacting Rocky, Adonis travels to Philadelphia. Rocky initially resists becoming a trainer, but eventually agrees to work with him. Philadelphia is significant because it is Rocky’s home and the city where Apollo and Rocky developed their famous rivalry and friendship.
The move also connects the Creed spin-off to the original films. Adonis leaves the environment associated with his inherited identity and enters the working-class boxing world that shaped Rocky.