Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed have their rematch in Rocky II. Released in 1979, the sequel continues directly from the controversial ending of the first film.
In Rocky, Apollo defeats Rocky by a split decision, although Rocky becomes a public hero after lasting fifteen rounds. Rocky II explores the consequences of that fight: Rocky struggles with his new fame, his eyesight, and his desire to retire, while Apollo faces pressure to prove that the first result was not a fluke.
Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in Rocky II. The film also brought back Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, Talia Shire as Adrian, Burt Young as Paulie, and Burgess Meredith as Mickey.
The rematch ends differently from the first contest. Rocky wins by knocking Apollo down in the fifteenth round, becoming heavyweight champion for the first time. This is separate from Rocky's later fights with Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago.