"Pretty" Ricky Conlan is a light heavyweight boxer from Liverpool, England, and he is the main antagonist in Creed. He was the undefeated IBF, WBO and Lineal World Champion. Ricky is about to serve seven years in prison when he got in trouble with the law and he is forced into retirement. Ricky's manager heard about Adonis Creed (Apollo Creed's illegitimate son) who is a rising star in boxing. Originally Ricky had no interest in the fight regardless of his last name, but his manager told him in no uncertain terms that he was going to do the fight, as the money would support Conlan's children while he serves his sentence. Conlan had already ruined a highly-anticipated scheduled bout with Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler when he broke Wheeler's jaw in a confrontation during the face off.
Conlan's manager called Donnie's manager, Apollo's best friend and boxing rival Rocky Balboa, to set up a fight for the Light Heavyweight Championship. The Championship fight was held in Liverpool. Ricky won the fight against Donnie in a 12-round split decision, but Donnie earned the respect of both Ricky and the fans. Ricky tells Donnie that he is the future of the light heavyweight division, and to wear the name 'Creed' with pride.