'Creed' star Sylvester Stallone is a huge fan of Christian boxing champ Manny Pacquiao

Sylvester Stallone, who stars in the boxing film 'Creed,' says he still thinks 'Manny Pacquiao is a great, great fighter' despite his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May last year.Reuters

After starring in a number of boxing movies, "Creed" star Sylvester Stallone is definitely an expert when it comes to the sport.

He has featured famous fighters in his Rocky Balboa movies, such as Roberto Duran, James Toney, and Antonio Tarver. Just recently, Britain's Tony Bellew also made it to his list, according to Sky Sports.

But when it comes to his personal favourite boxers, Stallone has more to add on his list. He was recently asked by Adam Smith and John Nelson who his favourite fighters are, and Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao was the first name he mentioned.

"I still think Manny Pacquiao is a great, great fighter" despite his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May last year, the actor said.

"Of course Roberto Duran, I sparred with him and really got hammered by him, really badly!" he added.

When talking about Bellew, on the other hand, Stallone said the boxer is actually a natural actor. However, the only thing that they had to contend with was his temper.

"He's a real charming guy to work with but he's got a real temper on him... and I've seen it go!" said Stallone. "That's what makes him so interesting. He has that volcanic thing going on underneath but he's also so really nice and humble and very inquisitive."

When it comes to acting, Stallone said Bellew is very eager to learn. On the ring, however, Bellew is done taking pointers because he knows exactly what he is doing.

"He asks a lot of questions and he's looking for pointers and he doesn't have the superiority attitude—at least when he's acting. Although I am sure he has got that when he's fighting because you need that. But he has got a gift," he said.