Welterweight champion Terence Crawford Mourns the Loss of NFL Linebacker-Turned Actor Carl Weathers at 76
In a shocking turn of events, beloved NFL linebacker-turned actor Carl Weathers has passed away at the age of 76. Welterweight champion Terence Crawford joins the countless athletes and celebrities worldwide who are mourning the loss of the iconic actor, who rose to fame for his portrayal of ‘Apollo Creed’ in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky franchise. Weathers’ manager, Matt Luber, confirmed that the actor passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Feb. 1, without publicly disclosing the cause of death.
Expressing his grief, Crawford took to his Instagram story to pay tribute to Weathers and his legendary character, Creed. The boxing community has also been deeply affected by this devastating news, as Weathers’ portrayal of Apollo Creed played a pivotal role in the influence Rocky had on the sport as a whole.
While known for his role as Apollo Creed, Weathers showcased his talent in other memorable films such as Predator and Toy Story 4, where he played Colonel Al Dillon and Combat Carl, respectively. Moreover, he portrayed Greef Karga in the popular Disney+ series, The Mandalorian.
As the current pound-for-pound boxing champion in the world, Terence Crawford continues to hold his unified welterweight title. However, as of Feb. 2, the champion does not have a fight scheduled. Crawford last competed on July 29, 2023, when he triumphed over Errol Spence Jr. to claim the undisputed welterweight championship.
Despite persistent rumors linking Crawford to several potential opponents, the fighter has yet to make a definitive decision regarding his next move. While fans eagerly anticipate a potential clash between Crawford and Jermell Charlo or Canelo Alvarez, the champion has not revealed his specific career direction.
Discussions surrounding a rematch with Spence have also emerged, but the negotiations have been challenging, especially since Spence recently underwent eye surgery, as revealed on social media.
At 36 years old, Crawford has expressed his ambition for a super fight with Canelo Alvarez through various social media posts. The prospect of this matchup has captured the attention of boxing enthusiasts around the globe.
In this difficult time, the sporting world mourns the loss of Carl Weathers, an exceptional athlete-turned actor who made an indelible impact with his unforgettable performances. The legacy he leaves behind will continue to resonate, reminding us of his immense contributions to both sports and entertainment.
Let us remember Carl Weathers for his remarkable talent, his dedication, and the joy he brought to countless fans across the globe. His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who admired him, and his unparalleled charisma will continue to inspire generations to come.
