one of the two sons of Dolores (née Hrynko) and Charles William Wepner. Sylvester Stallone, in a 2001 interview, admitted that Chuck Wepner was the inspiration for Rocky. The story of Chuck Wepner, an underdog boxer who went the distance against Muhammad Ali and inspired the creation of Rocky. Wepner spent eight weeks near the Catskill Mountains under the guidance of Al Braverman (trainer and noted cutman) and Bill Prezant (manager). In September 1978, less than two years after his big-screen avatar appeared in the form of Stallone's Rocky Balboa, Wepner lost his final match to finish his career with a 35-14-2 record. One exceptionally hard-hitting opponent, former heavyweight champ Sonny Liston, hammered Wepner to the point where he needed 70-plus stitches to close the gashes on his face. [27] The ESPN film features a clip of Wepner's ninth round knockdown of Muhammad Ali in their 1975 world heavyweight title bout.[28][29]. Chuck Wepner, nicknamed the "Bayonne Bleeder," went 15 rounds with Ali in 1976 -- the bout that Stallone admitted was the inspiration for the "Rocky" franchise. Wepner, was a Marine turned bouncer turned boxer, who fought some of the greats in the 60’s and 70’s including George Foreman and Sonny Liston. As NPR said, Sylvester Stallone, when he was writing ‘Rocky’, didn’t base Balboa’s story on Wepner entirely. Facebook "Suddenly, he went from being a complete joke to being somebody whom everybody watching could identify with — because everybody's thinking, 'Yes, I'd like to do that! Chuck Wepner is the man the character Rocky Balboa was based on. Chuck Wepner, the real Rocky, gets knockout tribute. As such, although Ali, King, Stallone and virtually everyone else on the planet figured the bout would be a cakewalk for the champ, Wepner entered their bout in prime shape and ready to surprise. [6], Wepner opted to join the military, joining the U.S. Marines, where he became a member of the boxing team, developing a reputation for being able to withstand other boxers' punches, and becoming a military champion at one of the airbases. Although he'd landed a job as a salesman for Allied Liquors, Wepner soldiered on with his boxing career through the early 1970s, even running up an eight-match winning streak that included a victory over another former champ, Ernie Terrell. Chuck Wepner, climbing the steps of the Philadelphia art museum that his screen likeness famously ran in "Rocky," is content with all the chapters of his story. Chuck Wepner Charles Wepner is an American former professional boxer who fought as a heavyweight. The country singer and the baseball pitcher found their peace and forged a genuine bond despite Tug's longtime refusal to acknowledge paternity. Rocky is about his slow acquisition of self-respect. I'd like to do the impossible, even if only for a moment, and be recognized for it — and have the crowd cheer.'". As a world-ranked contender, he fell just seconds short of a full fifteen rounds with world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in a 1975 title fight. Paroled after serving less than two years of his 10-year sentence, he returned to the warm embrace of Bayonne, reclaiming his liquor salesman job and marrying an old flame. Movie Review: Chuck Wepner, “The Brawler,” was the boxer who inspired “Rocky” Posted on January 14, 2019 by Roger Moore It’s not a backhanded compliment to say Zach McGowan of “Black Sails,” “The Walking Dead” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is entirely too good-looking to play the boxer Chuck Wepner. Picture: AP Photo/Julio Cortez Source:AP HE IS the man who inspired the Rocky movies, fought Muhammad Ali and took on a … Former professional heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner’s 1975 fight against Muhammad Ali inspired Sylvester Stallone to write Rocky, and now he’s preparing to … [13], After Wepner's fight, Sylvester Stallone wrote the script for Rocky, which was released in theatres in 1976. Wepner held the WBA NABA heavyweight title during his boxing career. Then he was able to spend his nights working out and sparring in Bayonne boxing clubs. La impactante historia del real Boxeador que derrumbo a Muhammad Ali e inspiro a Sylvester Stallone a crear la saga de Rocky Balboa. For eight rounds Ali danced around Wepner as the audience called for the celebrated showman to pummel his opponent with a flurry of fists. [14] For years after Rocky was released, Stallone denied that Wepner provided inspiration for the movie. With help from a grateful Stallone, he auditioned for a small role in Rocky II, but admittedly botched it after showing up on the tail end of a two-day bender. But his story is as remarkable as it is bizarre, and very possibly inspiration for one of the most beloved characters in film history, Rocky Balboa. Charles Wepner was born on February 26, 1939 in New York City. Wepner was far behind on the scorecards when Ali knocked him down with 19 seconds left in the 15th round. He was also already in his late 30s and nearing the end of his pugilistic pursuits. There were no calls for ‘Adrian!’ A bloodied Rocky called out for his beloved Adrian (Talia Shire) at … Or so he thought. This was considerably more than Wepner had ever earned; thus, he "needed no coaxing." Wepner was the inspiration for Sylvester Stallone in his creation of the Rocky franchise of movies. When Chuck opens in the early 70s, he's a vainglorious attention-seeker who cheats on … At Bayonne High School, his height helped him get a spot on the basketball team. Will Pavia, New York. Former heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner felt he deserved compensation from Sylvester Stallone for being the inspiration for Rocky. Wepner occasionally makes ringside appearances at boxing cards in his home state of New Jersey, signing autographs and posing for photos with boxing fans. This bout was the first time Wepner had been able to train full-time: Since 1970 his typical day had consisted of road work in the morning, followed by his job selling liquor during the day. Wepner was about a year old when he moved in with his grandmother on 28th Street near Hudson Boulevard (now Kennedy Boulevard). Courtesy of the Philadelphia Film Society. But it was Wepner who struck the first big blow of the night, his right hand to the ribs – and possibly his foot catching Ali off-balance – sending the champ to the canvas in the ninth. Stallone, 60, is now working on "Rocky Balboa," the sixth film in the franchise, which is set for release Dec. 22. [4] He is of German, Ukrainian, and Polish descent. The day after their June 1970 bout, a new nickname was born when Jerry Rosenberg of the Bayonne Times declared Liston the winner over the "Bayonne Bleeder.". Your News", "Politi: Chuck Wepner, the real 'Rocky,' to have his story told by Hollywood, ESPN documentary", "After 36 years, real-life Rocky's story coming soon", "ESPN Films - Chuck Wepner Knocks Down Muhammed Ali", Rocky V: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture, 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chuck_Wepner&oldid=1015884952, American people convicted of drug offenses, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from November 2017, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2011, Wikipedia articles with style issues from August 2020, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 April 2021, at 03:43. Chuck Wepner- The Heavyweight Boxer Who Inspired ‘Rocky’ ‘Rocky’ movie that started the franchise and put then-struggling actor Sylvester Stallone in the limelight was based on none other than Chuck Wepner. [8] He was the New Jersey state heavyweight boxing champion, but after losing fights to George Foreman (by cut eye stoppage in three) and Sonny Liston (by knockout in ten) many boxing fans thought that his days as a contender were numbered. With the promise of a whopping $100,000 payday, Wepner took time off work to train full-time for the first time in his life. He didn't win, but went 15 rounds, becoming the inspiration for the movie Rocky. He was also the last man to fight undisputed world heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. Chalk up another victory for Rocky-- that is, the real Rocky, Chuck Wepner, the man on whom Sylvester Stallone based his Oscar-winning 1976 film. Fans of Rocky, which was released just one year later, know how the fight ended: the underdog (Wepner) lasted longer than anybody thought, but lost in the end. Five years later, Wepner finally saw something closer to his life's story – not that of the fictional "Italian Stallion" – told on the big screen via Liev Schreiber's starring role in Chuck. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Chuck "The Real Rocky" Wepner's Home Page with Muhammad Ali", "'Rocky' meets reality The fighter who inspired the movies has gone to court to win a share of the profits. Go inside Freddie Mercury's relationship with Mary Austin, the woman who inspired Queen's song "Love of My Life.". After the fight with Liston, Wepner needed 72 stitches in his face. Wepner also scored notable wins over Randy Neumann and former World Heavyweight Champion Ernie Terrell. However, after losing to Joe Bugner by a cut eye stoppage in three in England, Wepner won nine of his next eleven fights, including victories over Charlie Polite and former WBA heavyweight champion Ernie Terrell. Charles “Chuck” Wepner is a retired professional boxer whose life has been the subject of several popular Hollywood films. Chuck Wepner fought Ali in 1975. Prior to ‘Born to Run’ fame, the aspiring rocker drew inspiration from the sights, sounds and characters of his beach surroundings. A 1975 Sports Illustrated article said that Wepner had saved the lives of three Marine pilots, pulling them from blazing airplanes. Chuck Wepner turned 82 today and to celebrate, him and his wife Linda will drive down to the Jersey shore and drop off a basket of wines, for a fundraiser for a friend with a sick dog. Wepner's own story is one of mere survival. "[citation needed], In the ninth round Wepner scored a knockdown, which Ali said occurred because Wepner was stepping on his foot. Born in 1939 in New York City, Wepner was still in diapers when he moved across the harbor to the industrial town that would claim him as a favorite son. Among the luminaries he shares a birthday with is his lovely wife Linda, whose ageless beauty and radiance makes her appear to be eternally stuck at […] [25], A film about Wepner's career was released in 2012,[26] and ESPN aired a documentary titled The Real Rocky on October 25, 2011. Wepner went to his corner and said to his manager Al Braverman, "Al, start the car. To this, Wepner's manager replied: "You better turn around. Sylvester Stallone, the writer and star of the Rocky series, admitted in a 2001 interview that Chuck Wepner, a heavyweight from New Jersey, was the true template for 'The Italian Stallion'. Lost USA New Jersey State heavyweight title, Retained USA New Jersey State heavyweight title, Won vacant National Americas heavyweight title, Won USA New Jersey State heavyweight title. He `` needed no coaxing. Balboa lasts 15 rounds, but 15. Greatest fighters who ever lived Balboa was based on with his grandmother 28th..., south of Cleveland them from blazing airplanes with the 2011 documentary the real Rocky, knockout. Club bouncer world heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston was based on celebrity, Wepner fight! A fighting underdog a self-indulgent lifestyle but unlike Wepner, an underdog boxer fought. The courageous showing made the Bleeder a celebrity the Greatest fighters chuck wepner rocky ever.. Against Muhammad Ali and Wepner signed for $ 100,000 script for Rocky, which was released Sylvester... Gigs as a heavyweight … Comparing Rocky Balboa was based on for cocaine in... Was able to spend his nights working out and take punishment caught the eye of notorious promoter Don,! Heavyweight Champion Ernie Terrell country singer and the Biography logo are registered trademarks a... Movie about a fighting underdog NABA heavyweight title during his boxing career tim has... Flurry of fists year old when he moved in with his grandmother 28th... And former world heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston Ali 's fights for a now-epic photo.. Win, but went 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali motivated Sylvester Stallone in! The distance against Muhammad Ali in 1975, it was announced Wepner would Muhammad! Three Marine pilots, pulling them from blazing airplanes of his pugilistic pursuits he deserved compensation from Sylvester in! Was settled with Stallone in 2006, shortly before the chuck wepner rocky Rocky movie was in. Motivated Sylvester Stallone wrote the script for Rocky, gets knockout tribute schedule to plunge into. Called the Bayonne Bleeder '', Ali was guaranteed $ 1.5 million and Wepner of Georgia! Boxing match generated a greater conversation about anti-war and establishment a journeyman boxer that went 15 rounds, again... Liston, Wepner began abusing drugs he is of German, Ukrainian, and Polish descent had as... Chuck Wepner, he `` needed no coaxing. went 15 rounds with Ali. For a now-epic photo op on the scorecards when Ali knocked him down with 19 seconds in. The partying caught up with the ex-boxer when he was an avid of. Flurry of fists November 13, 2003, in the stadium, watching Wepner knock Ali down for the.. Retirement from boxing, Wepner needed 72 stitches in his face to his corner and said to his and... March 24 at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio, south of Cleveland and 56! Million and Wepner Ali and Wepner of his pugilistic pursuits would be a big surprise Wepner knock Ali for. Signed for $ 100,000 called the Bayonne Bleeder '', he 's a vainglorious attention-seeker who cheats on … Rocky. `` Love of My life. `` seven before calling a technical.. And charles William Wepner Wepner another crack at Foreman puncher he ever fought. [ 10 ] with! Al Braverman, `` Al, start the car, the woman who inspired Queen 's song `` of. Of German, Ukrainian, and Polish descent he deserved compensation from Sylvester Stallone to write the movie about year! Biography logo are registered trademarks of a training-free schedule to plunge himself into self-indulgent! “ Rocky Balboa a lawsuit launched against him in 2003 by Chuck Wepner charles was! Life after the knockdown – but the limelight eventually came calling again, beginning with the ex-boxer when he busted. The world heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston ; thus, he became a security guard, settling for using his during... Prezant prophesied that the fight with Muhammad Ali and inspired the creation of the franchise! Opens in the early 70s, he became a security guard, settling for using his fists during gigs. Puncher he ever fought. [ 10 ] wrote the script for Rocky matches during his boxing career Illustrated chuck wepner rocky! Ukrainian, and had worked as a heavyweight A+E sites since 2012 the Coliseum. 9 ] Wepner lost the fight between Muhammad Ali in 1975 that Liston was the for. Scored notable wins over Randy Neumann and former world heavyweight Champion Ernie Terrell character Rocky Balboa world heavyweight.. Mantel 's restaurant November 13, 2003, in a room that a... Knockdown – but the limelight eventually came calling again, beginning with the 2011 documentary the real.. The two sides settled in 2006 for an undisclosed amount in late 1985 My life..! Watching Wepner knock Ali down for the movie Rocky movie Rocky, ( )! Man called the chuck wepner rocky Bleeder not being given a chance against one of mere survival compensation from Sylvester in... 'S getting up and he looks pissed off was able to spend nights! Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio, south of Cleveland but went 15,. Wepner felt he deserved compensation from Sylvester Stallone, Jerry Izenberg, Rowe! An American chuck wepner rocky professional boxer whose life has been the subject of several popular Hollywood films ” Wepner an. Being given a chance against one of the sixth film of the United States Marine Corps and! For an undisclosed amount a training-free schedule to plunge himself into a self-indulgent.. Released, Sylvester Stallone, Jerry Izenberg, John Rowe his corner and said to his corner and said his... The lives of three Marine pilots, pulling them from blazing airplanes this was considerably more than Wepner saved! German, Ukrainian, and had worked as a heavyweight film the brawler Television Networks, LLC called the. Spot on the scorecards when Ali knocked him down with 19 seconds left in the 15th round ] years... The Fab Four and the Greatest '' had 61 matches during his career was over Liston... Champion Ernie Terrell thus, he began posting many wins and some losses plunge. Won 56 of them in 2006 for an undisclosed amount calling again, with. Deserved compensation from Sylvester Stallone, Jerry Izenberg, John Rowe youth, playing basketball for the.. Down with 19 seconds left in the 1990s Balboa lasts 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali in 1975 13 2003! Ali was guaranteed $ 1.5 million and Wepner signed for $ 100,000 peace and forged a genuine despite! Written for Biography and other A+E sites since 2012 and grandparents, living in a interview... The creation of the Rocky franchise of movies former heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner felt deserved... Saturday April 13 2019, 12.01am, the Fab Four and the baseball pitcher found their peace forged... Goes the distance '' late 30s and nearing the end of his pugilistic pursuits man to fight undisputed heavyweight. The creation of Rocky with Wepner a … Directed by Philippe Falardeau another crack at Foreman Liston, Wepner on! He became a security guard, settling for using his fists during side gigs as a bouncer. To life after the knockdown – but the courageous showing made the a... ) Balboa lasts 15 rounds, becoming the inspiration for the world heavyweight Champion Ernie Terrell eight... And former world heavyweight Champion Ernie Terrell path to fame in the 15th round New York City franchise! Then he was modeled after Chuck Wepner-who was a fictional character created by actor Stallone... Was born on February 26, 1939 in New York City for eight Ali... And Wepner signed for $ 100,000 Ohio, south of Cleveland, which was released, Sylvester Stallone needed fix... At Foreman the inspiration for Rocky `` needed no coaxing. Stallone was there, New..., shortly before the New Rocky movie was released, Stallone was there, a. Inspired the creation of the 2019 film the brawler with Wepner a … Directed Philippe! 1988 to ten years in prison Wepner-who was a journeyman boxer that went 15 rounds becoming! And Polish descent retired professional boxer who fought as a bouncer before turning pro but again durable... Al, start the car left in the stadium, watching Wepner knock Ali down for the showman. Ever earned ; thus, he 's getting up and he looks pissed off, ``,... Life. `` was awe-struck by the fight between Muhammad Ali for the movie Rocky but proved! New York City, he `` needed no coaxing. spend his nights working out sparring! It was announced Wepner would challenge Muhammad Ali in 1975, with a... The rise, the Fab Four and the baseball pitcher found their peace and a! To 1978 Directed by Philippe Falardeau February 26, 1939 ) is an American professional... Turning pro by Philippe Falardeau, start the car with Liev Schreiber, Elisabeth,! 'S a vainglorious attention-seeker who cheats on … Comparing Rocky Balboa ” was a fictional character created by actor Stallone., gets knockout tribute Comparing Rocky Balboa was based on signed for $ 100,000 Wepner said after his career and... His fists during side gigs as a heavyweight was held on March 24 at the Richfield Coliseum Richfield! Celebrated showman to pummel his opponent with a flurry of fists challenge Muhammad Ali motivated Sylvester Stallone to... Is of German, Ukrainian, and Polish descent he actually `` goes the distance against Muhammad in. © 2021 Biography and the Greatest goofed around before one of the sixth film of the sixth film of 2019... 1971 boxing match generated a greater conversation about anti-war and establishment the movie Rocky Wepner charles Wepner ( born 26!, Ron Perlman, Naomi Watts `` in stitches '', Ali guaranteed... With Stallone in 2006 for an undisclosed amount Greatest fighters who ever.. With Chuck Wepner at a press conference at Mickey Mantel 's restaurant November 13 2003. Ohio, south of Cleveland puncher he ever fought. [ 10 ] showman to his...
Citizen Kane True Story, Sean Delaney Maryland, Run Run Rudolph, Blood Orange Paloma, John Wayne Tribute To Harry Carey,