Few franchises have built a legacy as impactful as the Rocky spinoff series, Creed. Although there are many film franchises such as Independence Day: Resurgence, Jurassic World, and Space Jam: A New Legacy have struggled to capture the same spirit that made the originals memorable,
Creed managed to bring forth a new hero in Adonis Creed (played by Michael B. Jordan) while honoring the legacy of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa. In Creed III, Jordan steps into the role of director, adding a fresh emotional depth to the story.
Among the questions viewers may wonder while watching is, “Does Felix Chavez, the promising fighter trained by Adonis, survive the intense battles in this story?” Let’s explore Felix’s fate and how the events unfold.
What Is the Relationship Between Adonis and Felix Chavez?
In Creed III, Adonis Creed has stepped away from fighting and into a mentoring role. As a retired champion, he now runs a boxing gym and trains up-and-coming fighters. One of these fighters is Felix Chavez, which is played by Jose Benavidez. Adonis thinks that in Felix’s potential and sees him as a future champion.
The relationship they have is quite is close, as Adonis not only trains Felix in boxing but also teaches him values like discipline and respect. This bond goes beyond just coach and fighter; Felix’s success represents the legacy Adonis is building outside the ring, adding a personal stake to Felix’s journey.
Who Is Damian Anderson, and How Does He Disrupt Adonis’s Life?
Damian Anderson, which is played by Jonathan Majors, was once Adonis’s close childhood friend. Growing up together, they shared a deep bond and often found themselves in trouble. However, when Damian was arrested and sent to prison for 18 years, their paths split.
Now, Damian returns, carrying bitterness and resentment towards Adonis, feeling abandoned by his old friend. Damian believes Adonis owes him a chance, especially after all those lost years. His return isn’t just a reunion; it’s a confrontation, and Damian wants to prove himself in the boxing world—even if it means going against Felix or Adonis to do it.
Why Does Damian Target Felix?
Damian’s desire to prove himself doesn’t stop with just reconnecting with Adonis. Driven by a need for recognition, he sets his eyes on a title fight. Initially, Felix is scheduled to fight Viktor Drago, but after an unexpected injury sidelines Drago, Damian steps in as a substitute opponent.
Adonis reluctantly agrees, hoping this opportunity might help Damian find his path.
But when Damian enters the ring, it quickly becomes clear that his motives are fueled by anger and a desire for revenge. This match turns into a brutal fight, and Damian’s fury leaves Felix facing potentially life-altering consequences.
What Happens During the Championship Fight Between Felix and Damian?
The championship fight between Felix and Damian is a key moment in the film, and it marks a big change in the story. Damian, who has been holding onto years of anger and ambition, comes into the fight with everything he has. He uses all of his strength and skill to land a series of powerful punches, knocking Felix out and winning the title. This victory is shocking for the audience because it shows just how strong Damian really is. Although Felix does survive the match, the impact of the fight is clear. He is hurt badly, not just in his body, but also in his mind, as the loss takes a huge emotional toll on him.
This loss is not only a crushing blow to Felix, but it also leaves Adonis feeling guilty and full of regret. Adonis, who had been the one to decide that Damian should get a shot at the title, starts to wonder if giving Damian that chance was a mistake. He feels responsible for the damage that Felix has suffered, both physically and emotionally, and it marks a turning point for Adonis as he reflects on his decision. The loss makes him question if he made the right choice, and he begins to feel the weight of what that decision has cost his protégé.
Does Rocky Balboa Appear in Creed III?
Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, does not appear in Creed III, which changes the direction of the story. In the first two Creed movies, Rocky was an important mentor and father figure to Adonis Creed. But in Creed III, with Rocky absent, Adonis has the chance to face his challenges on his own. This change shows that Adonis is growing as both a person and a fighter. He no longer needs to rely on Rocky and is now creating his own path, independent of the boxer who helped shape his past.
Even though Rocky is not in Creed III, his impact is still felt. Adonis, now successful in his own right, thinks back on the past and remembers Rocky’s famous fights, especially against Apollo Creed. These memories remind Adonis of the wisdom and strength Rocky shared with him. Even though Rocky isn’t there physically, his lessons continue to guide Adonis through the tough situations he faces. These moments help connect Adonis to Rocky’s legacy, making sure that Rocky’s spirit is still part of the story, even if he’s not seen on screen.
In this way, Creed III shows that Rocky’s influence helped Adonis grow, but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Adonis’s life. Now, Adonis must take responsibility for his own decisions and handle the consequences on his own. This is a natural next step for Adonis, who has learned from Rocky in the past and dealt with his father’s legacy. In Creed III, Adonis steps away from Rocky’s shadow, understanding that to move forward, he has to face life’s challenges without someone else guiding him. The memories of Rocky and his influence still remind Adonis of the important lessons he learned, and that no matter how much he has grown, the past will always be a part of him.
