Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Almost Replaced Carl Weathers With Heavyweight Boxer Who Beat Muhammad Ali as Apollo Creed

Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky needs no introduction. The franchise is widely considered to be the best sports movie franchise as well. In the movie, Stallone plays the role of Rocky Balboa, a small-time club fighter who gets a shot at the world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. 

The role of Apollo Creed is played by Carl Weathers. However, the makers of the movie originally wanted a real boxer to play the part. Interestingly, they were eyeing a boxer who beat arguably the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali. 

Also read: “I don’t want to be a part of it”: Sylvester Stallone Would Not Have Hesitated to Abandon His $818 Million Franchise For One Valid Reason

Which boxer was being considered to play the role of Apollo Creed in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky?

The makers of the Rocky movie were considering bringing on Ken Norton to play the role of Apollo Creed. Norton, a real boxer, boasted a pro-boxing record of 42-7-1 and retired back in 1981. The boxer fought Muhammad Ali, who is considered to be the greatest boxer of all time three times in his career. While he lost two bouts against Ali, he was successfully able to win their first match up back in 1973 via a split decision. 

Despite being offered the role of Apollo Creed, Ken Norton decided to opt against it and focus on his boxing career instead. Norton sadly passed away in 2013 at the age of 70. The role was then given to Carl Weathers who did a fabulous job himself. It is worth noting that Weathers had some sporting acumen as well as he played in college football and then also in the CFL. 

Also read: “Is the pressure really worth the pain?”: Sylvester Stallone Sacrificed Everything For ‘Rocky’ Only To End Up Alone in a “Hollow” House

Sylvester Stallone admits that his ego got too big as a result of Rocky’s fame

While Rocky’s success made Sylvester Stallone famous all around the world, it also brought a drastic change in his personality but not for the good. Back in 2014,  Sylvester Stallone admitted that the fame that came along with the success and popularity of his movie made him “insufferable” because his ego kept growing. He said (Via BBC): 

“I abused power badly. I read some of the interviews I gave now and wish I could go back and punch myself in the face”

Despite the fact that Stallone despises the attitude that came along with Rocky’s success, he is certainly able to make amends and be a better human being. 

Also read: Sylvester Stallone Felt Suffocated After ‘Rocky’ Tore His Family Apart, Left His Brother Traumatized