I went to an 'Audience With...' night with Stallone where he discussed this movie.

It is not a Rocky film or part of that franchise, it's taking the Creed story and going in a new direction. Rocky Balboa is just a character who features in that story. Who knows it might work.

Given Apollo died in 85 the character must be at least 30 - more plausible an age these days for heavyweights just starting a career than many years ago. Who can forget the "oh my god he's won the title back at 32" line when Ali beat Foreman.

Given that Apollo was supposed to be one of Rocky's best friends mind not sure how they going to explain how Rocky doesn't know him already ??