In Rocky, the heavyweight champion who gives Rocky his title opportunity is Apollo Creed.
Apollo is scheduled to defend his championship against another boxer, but the planned challenger becomes unavailable. Apollo decides to offer the bout to Rocky Balboa, a local Philadelphia club fighter whose nickname and record make him an appealing underdog opponent.
The decision is partly practical and partly promotional. Apollo wants a memorable bicentennial event and presents Rocky as a symbol of opportunity. Rocky accepts after realizing that going the distance would prove he belongs among the best fighters.
The film's central conflict is therefore not simply whether Rocky can win. Rocky's personal goal is to complete the fight standing, while Apollo expects a routine defense. Carl Weathers played Apollo, who later becomes Rocky's friend and mentor.