Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) is the latest Russian creation -- a tall, strong, crushing bruiser that packs more strength in one of his punches than any three regular boxers combined.  Although his handlers insist that Drago is the product of extensive genetics testing and advanced training techniques, they do deny the use of strength-enhancing steroids even though their fighter boasts unheard-of levels in terms of strength, stamina, and physical prowess.  They openly challenge Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stalone) to a fight, but Balboa's current manager and former heavyweight champ, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), takes them up on the offer.  Creed takes the pummeling of his life at Drago's hands, leaving Rocky feeling responsible enough to be next in line.  He accepts the challenge to take place in Drago's native country, the Soviet Union, where he must fight for revenge, honor, glory, and national pride in front of thousands of sneering spectators, including the Soviet leader himself.