Fellow-Everton fan Sylvester Stallone approached the 32-year-old about taking the role of boxer ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan. He was asked to star alongside ‘Fruitville Station’ actor Michael B Jordan in the popular franchise’s new version.
The film is set around Rocky’s former rival, Apollo Creed.
Jordan takes the lead of ‘Adonis,’ the grandson of Creed (who died at Ivan Drago’s hands in Rocky IV). He’s a wannabe fighter who Rocky trains in a bid to grab a slice of the glory and continue the family tradition of success in boxing.
Tony Bellew had no previous experience in the industry before Creed. But said working alongside Stallone, Jordan, and director Ryan Coogler was a dream come true for him on the back of his success in the ring last November against rival Nathan Cleverly.
“Filming went great,” Bellew exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity presented to me by Ryan Coogler as he’s an amazing director with a special vision.
“I believe Ryan will be remembered as a great director in years to come. Working with a legend like Sly and a great actor like Michael B Jordan was fantastic.
“They are excellent people who are all superstars in their own right.
“My part is all done now. I believe that shooting stops at the end of the month.”
TONY BELLEW WORLD TITLE
It’s now back to the grind for the highly-ranked Tony Bellew.
His next outing, potentially for a world title belt, is already in the pipeline.
The Liverpudlian has put any thoughts of a prolonged stay on the big screen on hold for the immediate future and aims to nail down a top-class opponent for a home bout in June.
“I am a fighter first and foremost,” Bellew pointed out. “I don’t see me acting for a living. To be honest, no.
“I’m not in a position to say no to it all. But for now, it’s just fighting for me.
“I’ll see the reaction to Creed and go from there for now. But I’ve had great feedback from the cast and producers.
“They’re not going to tell me I’m crap, are they. But I have taken on board what Ryan says. He was very complimentary of what I did.
“He tells me I have a future in the industry, but only time will tell,” he added.
The film is due to be released on November 25 in the US and worldwide soon after.
Creed also stars The Hobbit and Rambo’s Graham McTavish, plus critically acclaimed drama Selma’s Tessa Thompson.
Phil Jay is the Editor of WBN. An Auxiliary member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay.
