"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up." In this special roundup episode, we lace up the gloves one last time for The Final Bell—an all-out celebration of the Rocky Cinematic Universe. From the gritty streets of Philadelphia to the bright lights of modern-day L.A., this is our definitive awards ceremony honouring the legends, rivals, mentors, and moments that made the saga iconic.

Who stood tallest in the ring as the ultimate Protagonist? Which rival packed the hardest emotional punch as Best Antagonist? From unforgettable montages to heart-pounding soundtracks, powerful scripts to visionary direction, we crown the very best of the franchise—from Rocky (1976) to Creed III (2023).

Join us as we reflect on the legacy of a series that taught generations about heart, hustle, and resilience. Whether you're team Balboa or team Creed, this is the final round—and the gloves are off.

The Hosts

Joe Walker is a Sports Coach and graduate of Loughborough University, with 16 years of coaching experience and a degree in Sports Coaching. His first passion has always been movies and the stories that they tell.

James Marshall is a 2x National Championship-winning athlete and graduate of Loughborough University. He has a background in a variety of sports including American Football, Athletics, and Swimming. He grew up with aspirations to pursue a life in Drama and Acting.

Contact Info

📸 Instagram – @championsofcinema

🎬 TikTok – @champions.of.cine

📩 Email – Championsofcinema@gmail.com

"You can't run from your past." In this episode, we step into uncharted territory with Creed III (2023)—the first Rocky universe film without Rocky himself, and a bold, emotional chapter that tests Adonis Creed like never before.

Now retired and thriving outside the ring, Adonis has built a life of success, family, and legacy. But when Damian Anderson—an old friend turned forgotten rival—shows up with a grudge and something to prove, Adonis is forced to confront the guilt, secrets, and choices that shaped him.

We break down the film’s shift into a more personal, psychological battle—where the biggest fight isn’t for a belt, but for identity and peace. With Michael B. Jordan stepping into the director’s chair, Creed III brings a fresh visual style and a deeper emotional edge to the franchise. It’s about brotherhood, betrayal, and the price of burying your past instead of facing it.

Join us as we explore what makes Creed III a bold evolution of the saga, whether it stands tall without the shadow of Rocky, and how it cements Adonis as a champion in his own right—not just in the ring, but in life.

The Hosts

Joe Walker is a Sports Coach and graduate of Loughborough University, with 16 years coaching experience and a degree in Sports Coaching. His first passion has always been movies and the stories that they tell.

James Marshall is a 2x National Championship winning athlete and graduate of Loughborough University. He has a background in a variety of sports including American Football, Athletics, and Swimming. He grew up with aspirations to pursue a life in Drama and Acting.

Contact Info

Instagram - @championsofcinema

TikTok - @champions.of.cine

Email - Championsofcinema@gmail.com

"Your daddy died in the ring. You think that makes you a hero?" In this episode, we step back between the ropes for Creed II (2018), a sequel that hits just as hard emotionally as it does physically—where legacies collide, and the past comes back swinging.

Adonis Creed is now the heavyweight champion, but glory comes with a price. When Viktor Drago—son of the man who killed Apollo Creed—challenges him, it's more than just a title fight. It’s personal. It’s legacy. It’s unfinished business from a war that started decades ago.

We dive deep into the emotional and physical toll of Adonis’ journey, from the strain on his relationship with Bianca and the challenges of new fatherhood, to the weight of revenge and redemption. With Rocky still in his corner, but fighting battles of his own, Creed II becomes a story about family, forgiveness, and finding strength in vulnerability.

Join us as we explore whether vengeance is ever worth it, how the sins of the father haunt the sons, and why this sequel delivers far more than just another training montage. This is Creed at his crossroads—will he rise, or will the past drag him down?

The Hosts

Joe Walker is a Sports Coach and graduate of Loughborough University, with 16 years coaching experience and a degree in Sports Coaching. His first passion has always been movies and the stories that they tell.

James Marshall is a 2x National Championship winning athlete and graduate of Loughborough University. He has a background in a variety of sports including American Football, Athletics, and Swimming. He grew up with aspirations to pursue a life in Drama and Acting.

Contact Info

Instagram - @championsofcinema

TikTok - @champions.of.cine

Email - Championsofcinema@gmail.com