Before becoming Rocky’s nemesis “Apollo Creed”, actor Carl Weathers had to audition for the role. While sparring at the audition, he accidentally punched Stallone in the chin. Mr. Weathers told the director John Avildsen that a “real” actor would spar much better. The director chuckled and said that he was auditioning with not only the script’s writer but also the “real” lead character. To which he replied, “Well, maybe he’ll get better”. When they finished, Mr. Stallone told Mr. Weathers that he was going to play the role of Apollo Creed.