Choosing to take inspiration from Rocky IV makes a lot of sense for the Creed sequel.
The first film’s story acted as a sort of coming out party for Adonis Creed and following his performance in the ring he’s clearly going be a name in the news.
This will likely lead the media to drum up his father’s fate, which will in turn draw the attention of Ivan Drago and his family.
The film is one of the more popular in the franchise and considering how the events of that film were a direct influence on the original Creed in its own way, it’s not surprising to see them continue forward into this sequel.