Ivan Drago (Russian: Иван Драго) appeared as Rocky Balboa’s rival and the main antagonist in the 1985 film Rocky IV. He is portrayed by Dolph Lundgren. A poll of former heavyweight champions and prominent boxing writers ranked Drago as the third best fighter in the Rocky film series. 
Unlike the flamboyant Apollo Creed and the brash James “Clubber” Lang, Rocky’s opponents in previous films, Ivan Drago is quiet and non-boastful. Driven by his desire to be the best at all costs, this single-minded manner in which he pursues this goal deprives him of his humanity. Many viewers and critics have suggested that Drago was meant to symbolize America’s perception of Russia: immense, powerful, and emotionless. This is made evident by his cold-blooded pulverization of Creed in an exhibition match as well as by his callous reaction towards news of his opponent’s death. Drago generally allows his wife and trainers to talk on his behalf to the press. The character only speaks short sentences, throughout the film, all terse, short statements.
