Why? Creed was the champ, rich, grew up in a mansion versus a guy who had nothing and grew up in a struggle and also sought his mother (and father's) love. Drago certainly wasn't a villain in that film despite the intentions.

Yeah, slip of the tongue. Well, the audience is supposed to root for the protagonist and that was not easily done in Creed 2.

He was supposed to be the antagonist but he was unintentionally easier to root for. Creed was not that likable in that film.