View source for Chuck Wepner

{{Short description|American boxer (born 1939)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox boxer
| name        = Chuck Wepner
| image       = Chuck Wepner cropped.jpg
| caption     = Wepner in 2012
| realname    = Charles Wepner
| nickname    = The Bayonne Bleeder
| height      = 6 ft 5 in<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=BoxRec: Chuck Wepner|url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/97|access-date=February 5, 2021|website=[[BoxRec]]}}</ref>
| weight      = [[Heavyweight]]
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1939|2|26|mf=y}}
| birth_place = New York City, U.S.
| style       = [[Orthodox stance|Orthodox]]
| total       = 52
| wins        = 36
| KO          = 17
| losses      = 14
| draws       = 2
}}
'''Charles Wepner''' (born February 26, 1939) is an American former [[professional boxer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wepner.homestead.com |title=Chuck "The Real Rocky" Wepner's Home Page with Muhammad Ali |publisher=Wepner.homestead.com |access-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824122547/http://wepner.homestead.com/ |archive-date=August 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000097 |title=Chuck Wepner: Boxer |publisher=Boxrec.com |access-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201024056/http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000097 |archive-date=February 1, 2003}}</ref> He fell just nineteen seconds [[Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner|short of a full fifteen rounds against]] world heavyweight champion [[Muhammad Ali]] in a 1975 championship fight. Wepner also scored notable wins over [[Randy Neumann]] and former world heavyweight champion [[Ernie Terrell]]. He was also the last man to fight former [[Undisputed championship (boxing)|undisputed]] world heavyweight champion [[Sonny Liston]].

Wepner's boxing career, and fight with Ali, inspired the 1976 film ''[[Rocky]],''<ref>Casey Kasem's American Top 40 from March 1st, 1986</ref> and other life events were chronicled in the 2016 film, ''[[Chuck (film)|Chuck]]''. He was also the subject of the 2019 film ''[[The Brawler]]''.

== Early life ==
Charles Wepner was born on February 26, 1939, in [[New York City]].<ref>[http://boxrec.com/boxer/97 "Chuck Wepner"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508025649/http://boxrec.com/boxer/97|date=May 8, 2016}}, BoxRec.com; retrieved September 27, 2016.</ref> He is of [[Germans|German]], [[Ukrainians|Ukrainian]], and [[Polish people|Polish]] descent.<ref>Gambardello, Joseph A. (November 20, 2003). [http://articles.philly.com/2003-11-20/news/25463435_1_chuck-wepner-bayonne-bleeder-apollo-creed "'Rocky' meets reality The fighter who inspired the movies has gone to court to win a share of the profits. He said he has gotten nothing"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624040920/http://articles.philly.com/2003-11-20/news/25463435_1_chuck-wepner-bayonne-bleeder-apollo-creed |date=June 24, 2016}}, philly.com; accessed November 21, 2017.</ref>

Wepner learned to fight on the streets of [[Bayonne, New Jersey|Bayonne]], [[New Jersey]]<ref name=lmtwho>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ta5fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2jIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5713%2C6560148 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=Idaho|agency=Associated Press |title=Chuck who? |date=January 26, 1975 |page=4B}}</ref> saying, "This was a tough town with a lot of people from the docks and the naval base and you had to fight to survive". Wepner was about a year old when he moved in with his grandmother on 28th Street near Hudson Boulevard (now [[County Route 501 (New Jersey)|Kennedy Boulevard]]). He was raised by his mother and grandparents, living in a room that was a converted coal shed until he was 13. He was an avid player of sports in his youth, playing basketball for the Police Athletic League. At [[Bayonne High School]], his height helped him get a spot on the basketball team.<ref>Sullivan, Joseph F. [https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/22/archives/bayonne-cheers-a-hometown-product-good-luck-chuck.html?_r=0 "Bayonne Cheers a Hometown Product; 'Good Luck, Chuck'"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 22, 1975. Accessed April 18, 2020. "Mr. Wepner said that he was a gangling six‐footer when he was 13 years old and that the added height helped him win a berth on the Bayonne High School basketball team."</ref>

Aged 15 (or 16), inspired by [[Battle Cry (film)|''Battle Cry'']] (12 March 1955), having persuaded his mother to sign his 'phony papers', the [[underage]] Wepner enlisted for three years in the [[U.S. Marines]].<ref name="BBC Sport">{{Cite news |title=Honouring the real-life 'Rocky' who floored Ali |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/64392108 |access-date=2023-01-26}}</ref> In the Marines, 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. A 1975 ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' article said that Wepner had saved the lives of three Marine pilots, pulling them from blazing airplanes.<ref name="HudsonReporter">Sullivan, Al (January 27, 2007). [http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/2410930/article--The-Bayonne-Bleeder--Chuck-Wepner--the-real-life-Rocky "'The Bayonne Bleeder' Chuck Wepner, the real life Rocky"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002044631/http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/2410930/article--The-Bayonne-Bleeder--Chuck-Wepner--the-real-life-Rocky|date=October 2, 2016|work=''[[The Hudson Reporter]]''|accessdate=November 21, 2017}}</ref>

== Career ==
Wepner turned professional in 1964 and became a popular boxer on the Northeast's [[Club fighter|Club Boxing]] circuit, where he began posting many wins and some losses fighting throughout the region, including in arenas close to his boyhood home such as [[North Bergen]] and [[Secaucus]].<ref name="HudsonReporter" />

Nicknamed "The Bayonne Bleeder" due to repeated facial injuries in the ring, he took the name that was initially meant as an insult and made it his ''nom de guerre''. In an interview with the BBC, Wepner said "I was a big bleeder. I had 328 stitches in my career. My nose was broken nine times in 16 years. And, uh, it never fazed me, you know?"<ref name="BBC Sport"/>

Wepner had formerly boxed while a member of the [[United States Marine Corps]], and had worked as a [[Bouncer (doorman)|bouncer]] before turning pro.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/1298-don-t-bleed-for-me-bayonne |title=Don't Bleed For Me Bayonne |publisher=Thesweetscience.com |date=November 6, 2004 |access-date=November 20, 2012 |archive-date=May 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508063116/http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/1298-don-t-bleed-for-me-bayonne |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was the New Jersey state heavyweight boxing champion, but after losing bouts to [[George Foreman]] (by cut eye stoppage in three) and [[Sonny Liston]] (by technical knockout in nine) many boxing fans thought that his days as a contender were numbered. After the match with Liston, Wepner needed 72 stitches in his face.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/page/IamChuckWepner/chuck-wepner-recognized-rocky-fame |title=Real Rocky Wepner finally getting due |publisher=ESPN |date=October 25, 2011 |access-date=May 5, 2017}}</ref> After his retirement, Wepner stated that Liston was the hardest puncher he ever fought.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/tag/fightland/|title=FIGHTLAND|website=Vice.com}}</ref>

However, after losing to [[Joe Bugner]] by a cut eye stoppage in three in [[England]], Wepner won nine of his next eleven bouts, including victories over Charlie Polite and former WBA heavyweight champion [[Ernie Terrell]].

=== Muhammad Ali fight ===
In 1975, it was announced that Wepner would challenge [[Muhammad Ali]] for the world heavyweight title. According to the ''Cleveland Plain Dealer'' (February 9, 1975, Page 4-C), Carl Lombardo invested $1.3 million to finance the Wepner-Ali heavyweight title bout. According to a ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' article, "In Stitches", Ali was guaranteed $1.5 million and Wepner signed for $100,000. This was considerably more than Wepner had ever earned; thus, he "needed no coaxing." Wepner spent eight weeks training in the [[Catskill Mountains]] under the guidance of [[Al Braverman]] (trainer and noted [[cutman]]) and Bill Prezant (manager). 

Prezant prophesied that the match would be a big surprise. 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. Then he was able to spend his nights working out and sparring in Bayonne boxing clubs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,917248,00.html |title=In Stitches |date=April 7, 1975 |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331010154/http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,917248,00.html |archive-date=March 31, 2021}}</ref> The match was held on March 24 at the [[Richfield Coliseum]] in [[Richfield, Ohio]], south of [[Cleveland, Ohio|Cleveland]]. Before the match, a reporter asked Wepner if he thought he could survive in the ring with the champion, to which Wepner allegedly answered, "I've been a survivor my whole life ... if I survived the Marines, I can survive Ali."{{citation needed|date=December 2011}}

In the ninth round, Wepner scored a knockdown, which Ali said occurred because Wepner was stepping on his foot. Published photographs showed Wepner stepping on Ali's foot at the time of the knockdown. Wepner went to his corner and said to his manager Al Braverman,  "Al, start the car. We're going to the bank. We are millionaires." To this, Wepner's manager replied: "You better turn around. He's getting up and he looks pissed off."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E20UvJsBykg  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/E20UvJsBykg| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Real-Life "Rocky" Boxer Chuck Wepner Talks w/ Jim Clash |publisher=YouTube |access-date=November 20, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In the remaining rounds, Ali decisively outboxed Wepner and opened up cuts above both of Wepner's eyes and broke his nose. Wepner was far behind on the scorecards when Ali knocked him down with 19 seconds left in the 15th round. The referee counted to seven before calling a technical knockout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2d8jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7CgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6876,2371884&dq=chuck+wepner+muhammad+ali&hl=en |title=Welcome to nginx |website=news.google.com |access-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716131832/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2d8jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7CgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6876,2371884&dq=chuck+wepner+muhammad+ali&hl=en |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

After the Ali-Wepner bout, [[Sylvester Stallone]] wrote the script for ''[[Rocky]]'', which was released in theatres in 1976. Like Wepner, (Rocky) Balboa lasts 15 rounds, but unlike Wepner, he actually "[[The distance (boxing)|goes the distance]]".<ref name="usa">{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Bryan |title=2 4 'Chuck': Five things you should know about the real 'Rocky' Chuck Wepner |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2017/05/02/who-is-real-rocky-chuck-wepner/101158422/ |access-date=January 29, 2018 |work=USA Today |date=May 2, 2017}}</ref> For years after ''Rocky'' was released, Stallone denied that Wepner provided inspiration for the movie, though he eventually admitted it.<ref name="ESPN Wepner Recognized">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/page/IamChuckWepner/chuck-wepner-recognized-rocky-fame |title=Chuck Wepner finally recognized for 'Rocky' fame |date=October 25, 2011 |publisher=Espn.go.com |access-date=November 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name="The Real Rocky2">{{cite video |people=Feuerzeig, Jeff (Director) |date=October 25, 2011 |title=The Real Rocky |medium=Motion picture |publisher=ESPN Films}}</ref>

=== Late career ===
In 1976, Wepner fought [[professional wrestler]] [[André the Giant]] and lost by countout after Andre threw him out of the ring.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3EksOFtILs  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/h3EksOFtILs| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Andre The Giant &#124; Chuck Wepner (ex) 1/1 |publisher=YouTube |date=April 21, 2009 |access-date=November 20, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozRTSSaP6p4  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ozRTSSaP6p4| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Andre the Giant vs. Chuck Wepner |publisher=YouTube |date=August 26, 2006 |access-date=November 20, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 

On October 25, 1977, Wepner went to [[Japan]] and lost to [[Antonio Inoki]] in a Wrestler vs Boxer match. 

Wepner's last match was on May 2, 1978, for the New Jersey state heavyweight championship against a new rising prospect, Scott Frank, noted for using a heavy left hook.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.njboxinghof.org/cgi-bin/henryseehof.pl?486 |title=Scott Frank |publisher=Njboxinghof.org |access-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415081803/http://www.njboxinghof.org/cgi-bin/henryseehof.pl?486 |archive-date=April 15, 2012 }}</ref> Wepner lost the match in a 12-round decision, but again proved durable. He announced his retirement afterwards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Ken/Hissner031011.htm |title=Interview with Chuck Wepner: Blood, Sweat & Tears! – ''Boxing News'' |publisher=Doghouseboxing.com |date=March 10, 2011 |access-date=November 20, 2012 |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114120310/http://doghouseboxing.com/Ken/Hissner031011.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Later life ==
After his retirement from boxing, Wepner began abusing drugs. In 1979, Sylvester Stallone wanted to cast Wepner as a sparring partner in ''[[Rocky II]]'', but he failed the audition due to his drug problems.<ref name="usa" />

In November 1985, Wepner was arrested on drug charges when he was found with four ounces of [[cocaine]] in an undercover police investigation. Under a plea-bargain agreement, he was sentenced in 1988 to ten years in prison.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boxing Wepner, Once Fought Ali, Gets 10 Years For Drugs |publisher=Sun Sentinel |date=March 16, 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/16/sports/sports-people-wepner-sentenced.html |title=Wepner Sentenced |date=March 16, 1988 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> He served 17 months in [[Northern State Prison]], [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], New Jersey, then spent another 20 months in New Jersey's intensive supervision program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newspapers.com/clip/34796387/daily_news/ |title=Bayonne & Back for Ali, Wepner |last=Katz |first=Michael |date=June 7, 1991 |website=Daily News |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=August 11, 2019}}</ref>

In 2003, Wepner sued Sylvester Stallone, seeking payment for his use as the inspiration for ''Rocky'' and the film series. The lawsuit was settled with Stallone in 2006 for an undisclosed amount.<ref name="The Real Rocky2" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2543201 |title='Bayonne Bleeder' settles Rocky suit vs. Stallone |date=August 8, 2006 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=August 11, 2019}}</ref>

As of 2010, Wepner had been working for 10 years with his third wife Linda in the liquor sales field for Majestic Wines and Spirits in [[Carlstadt, New Jersey]], and was an expert in consumer liquors, wines and spirits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/professional/35-years-after-facing-muhammad-ali-bayonne-bleeder-chuck-wepner-still-pulls-no-punches |title=35 years after facing Muhammad Ali, 'Bayonne Bleeder' Chuck Wepner still pulls no punches &#124; Professional &#124; NewJerseyNewsroom.com – Your State. Your News |publisher=NewJerseyNewsroom.com |date=March 23, 2010 |access-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007214011/http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/professional/35-years-after-facing-muhammad-ali-bayonne-bleeder-chuck-wepner-still-pulls-no-punches |archive-date=October 7, 2011}}</ref>

ESPN aired a documentary titled ''The Real Rocky'' on October 25, 2011,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/09/22/wepner.boxing/index.html |publisher=CNN |title=After 36 years, real-life Rocky's story coming soon |date=September 23, 2011}}</ref> The ESPN film features a clip of Wepner's ninth round knockdown of Muhammad Ali in their 1975 world heavyweight title bout.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_92K8k31rU |title=ESPN Films – Chuck Wepner Knocks Down Muhammed Ali |publisher=YouTube |date=October 30, 1974 |access-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110144156/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_92K8k31rU |archive-date=November 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/chuck-wepner-rocky-inspiration-sues-868617 Wepner sues over 'Copycat' film]. Wepner, the boxer who inspired the character of Rocky Balboa, is preparing for a legal fight over his life story.</ref> [[Michael Tollin]], who was a producer on the ESPN documentary, would also be a producer of the first of the two films about Wepner's career, which was released in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |author=New Jersey |url=http://www.nj.com/sports/njsports/index.ssf/2011/09/politi_chuck_wepner_the_real_r.html |title=Politi: Chuck Wepner, the real 'Rocky,' to have his story told by Hollywood, ESPN documentary |date=September 4, 2011 |publisher=NJ.com |access-date=November 20, 2012}}</ref> 

=== Ring appearances ===
Wepner occasionally makes ringside appearances at boxing cards in his home state of New Jersey, signing autographs and posing for photos with boxing fans. On October 12, 2012, Wepner appeared ringside with former World Light Heavyweight champion [[Mike Rossman]] in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], at a [[Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City]] fight card featuring a WBA NABA Lightweight title bout in the main event. Wepner held the WBA NABA heavyweight title during his boxing career.

== Portrayals and inspirations ==
* [[Sylvester Stallone]]'s character Rocky Balboa and portions of the [[Rocky (film series)|''Rocky'' film series]] were inspired by the life of Chuck Wepner.<ref>"The Greatest Underdog Story Ever Told | Stallone On Making ROCKY"/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PISX0iaMsXc</ref> For instance, it was speculated that a scene from the 1982 film ''[[Rocky III]]'' had been influenced by Wepner's fight against Andre the Giant, as the movie features a match versus wrestler [[Hulk Hogan]] as "Thunderlips", who throws Rocky out of the ring.<ref name="ESPN Wepner Recognized" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUhGoY3h0fY  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/xUhGoY3h0fY| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Thunderlips.wmv |date=July 2, 2010 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=November 20, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* [[Liev Schreiber]] played the role of Wepner in a sports film, ''[[Chuck (film)|Chuck]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |title='Ray Donovan's Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts To Star In Chuck Wepner Underdog Ring Saga 'The Bleeder' |url=https://deadline.com/2015/10/liev-schreiber-naomi-watts-chuck-wepner-ray-donovan-muhammad-ali-philippe-falardeau-1201568670 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008193532/http://deadline.com/2015/10/liev-schreiber-naomi-watts-chuck-wepner-ray-donovan-muhammad-ali-philippe-falardeau-1201568670/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 8, 2015 |access-date=November 16, 2015 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=October 7, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Zach McGowan]] played the role of Wepner in another sports film, ''[[The Brawler]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Brawler (2018) |publisher=IMDb.com, Inc. |website=www.imdb.com|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5471472/ |access-date=December 28, 2018}}</ref>
*In 2022, a statue of Wepner was unveiled in [[Collins Park (Bayonne, New Jersey)|Collins Park]] in Bayonne.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://hudsonreporter.com/2022/11/03/bayonne-to-unveil-chuck-wepner-statue-in-collins-park/ | title=Bayonne to unveil Chuck Wepner statue in Collins Park | date=November 3, 2022 }}</ref> The project had been several years in the works.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/2015/04/rendering_of_chuck_wepner_stat.html | title=Plans revealed for life-size statue honoring Bayonne Bleeder Chuck Wepner | date=April 13, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nj.com/hudson/2015/04/rendering_of_chuck_wepner_statue_unveiled_at_bayon.html | title=Rendering of Chuck Wepner statue unveiled at Bayonne PAL dinner | date=April 12, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nj.com/hudson/2018/08/the_22-year-long_process_to_immortalize_chuck_wepn.html | title='Real Rocky' Chuck Wepner honored with bronze statue -- and artist is doing it for free | date=August 23, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/06/nyregion/rocky-chuck-wepner-muhammad-ali.html|title='Rocky' Has a Statue in Philadelphia. Now the 'Real Rocky' Will Get One in Jersey.|first=Corey|last=Kilgannon|newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 6, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hudsonreporter.com/2022/04/22/enough-money-raised-to-bring-chuck-wepner-statue-to-bayonne/|title=Enough money raised to bring Chuck Wepner statue to Bayonne|first1=Daniel|last1=Israel|first2=Staff|last2=Writer|date=April 22, 2022}}</ref>

== Professional boxing record ==
{{Boxing record summary
|draws=2
|ko-wins=17
|ko-losses=9
|dec-wins=19
|dec-losses=5
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round(s), time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|52
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|36–14–2}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Scott Frank (boxer)|Scott Frank]]
|UD
|12
|{{small|September 26, 1978}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Ice World, [[Totowa, New Jersey|Totowa]], New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Lost USA New Jersey State heavyweight title}}
|-
|51
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–13–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Tom Healy
|TKO
|5 (10), {{small|2:13}}
|{{small|June 2, 1978}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Jersey City Armory|Old Armory]], Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|50
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–13–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Johnny Blaine
|TKO
|3 (10)
|{{small|April 7, 1978}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|49
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–13–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|Canada}} Horst Geisler
|TKO
|10 (10), {{small|1:19}}
|{{small|May 20, 1977}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena|Broome County Arena]], [[Binghamton, New York|Binghamton]], New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|48
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–12–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|South Africa|1928}} [[Mike Schutte (boxer)|Mike Schutte]]
|PTS
|10
|{{small|February 19, 1977}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|South Africa|1928}} {{small|Wembley Stadium, [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]]}}
|align=left|
|-
|47
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–11–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Duane Bobick]]
|TKO
|6 (10), {{small|1:12}}
|{{small|October 2, 1976}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Utica College Sports Complex, [[Utica, New York|Utica]], New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|46
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–10–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Tommy Sheehan
|TKO
|2 (10), {{small|1:01}}
|{{small|May 6, 1976}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Kearny High School Gym, [[Kearny, New Jersey|Kearny]], New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|45
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–10–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Johnny Dolan
|KO
|3 (10)
|{{small|November 29, 1975}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|National Guard Armory, [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida|Fort Lauderdale]], [[Florida]], U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–10–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Johnny Evans
|TKO
|4 (10), {{small|0:59}}
|{{small|November 13, 1975}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Exposition Building, [[Portland, Maine|Portland]], [[Maine]], U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|43
|{{no2}}Loss
|31–10–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Muhammad Ali]]
|TKO
|15 (15), {{small|2:41}}
|{{small|[[Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner|March 24, 1975]]}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Coliseum at Richfield|Richfield Coliseum]], [[Richfield, Ohio|Richfield]], [[Ohio]] U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|For [[WBA Heavyweight Champion|WBA]] and [[WBC Heavyweight Champion|WBC heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Terry Hinke
|TKO
|11 (12), {{small|1:10}}
|{{small|September 3, 1974}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Salt Palace (arena)|Salt Palace]], [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]], U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|41
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Charley Polite
|TKO
|4 (10)
|{{small|May 23, 1974}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Randy Neumann]]
|TKO
|6 (12)
|{{small|March 8, 1974}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained USA New Jersey State heavyweight title}}
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Billy Williams
|PTS
|10
|{{small|January 17, 1974}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Ernie Terrell]]
|PTS
|12
|{{small|June 23, 1973}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Boardwalk Hall|Convention Hall]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]], New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Won vacant National Americas heavyweight title}}
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Billy Marquart
|PTS
|12
|{{small|March 15, 1973}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained USA New Jersey State heavyweight title}}
|-
|36
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} John Clohessy
|PTS
|10
|{{small|December 7, 1972}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Marist High School, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Randy Neumann]]
|PTS
|12
|{{small|April 15, 1972}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Won USA New Jersey State heavyweight title}}
|-
|34
|{{no2}}Loss
|23–9–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Randy Neumann]]
|PTS
|12
|{{small|December 9, 1971}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Lost USA New Jersey State heavyweight title}}
|-
|33
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–8–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Mike Boswell
|TKO
|10 (10)
|{{small|October 14, 1971}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–8–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jesse Crown
|KO
|4 (10)
|{{small|September 16, 1971}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Embassy Hall, [[North Bergen, New Jersey|North Bergen]], New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|31
|{{no2}}Loss
|21–8–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jerry Judge
|TKO
|5 (8)
|{{small|January 6, 1971}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|30
|{{no2}}Loss
|21–7–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|UK}} [[Joe Bugner]]
|RTD
|3 (10), {{small|3:00}}
|{{small|September 8, 1970}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} {{small|[[Wembley Arena|Empire Pool]], [[London]], [[England]]}}
|align=left|
|-
|29
|{{no2}}Loss
|21–6–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Sonny Liston]]
|{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}}
|9 (10), {{small|3:00}}
|{{small|June 29, 1970}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|28
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–5–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Manuel Ramos (boxer)|Manuel Ramos]]
|UD
|10
|{{small|January 26, 1970}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–5–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|Puerto Rico}} Pedro Agosto
|UD
|10
|{{small|December 19, 1969}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|26
|{{no2}}Loss
|19–5–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[George Foreman]]
|TKO
|3 (8), {{small|0:54}}
|{{small|August 18, 1969}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|25
|{{no2}}Loss
|19–4–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[José Roman (boxer)|José Roman]]
|PTS
|10
|{{small|June 22, 1969}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|Puerto Rico}} {{small|[[Hiram Bithorn Stadium]], [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]], U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Mike Bruce
|PTS
|8
|{{small|April 28, 1969}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Plaza Arena, Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|Peru}} Roberto Davila
|MD
|10
|{{small|March 14, 1969}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jerry Tomasetti
|TKO
|1 (10), {{small|2:20}}
|{{small|December 13, 1968}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Theater at Madison Square Garden|Felt Forum]], New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Mert Brownfield
|{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}}
|10
|{{small|November 9, 1968}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Forest Ward
|TKO
|7 (8)
|{{small|September 28, 1968}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Mike Bruce
|PTS
|8
|{{small|May 20, 1968}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Plaza Arena, Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Eddie Vick
|SD
|10
|{{small|April 30, 1968}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Walpole, Massachusetts|Walpole]], [[Massachusetts]], U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Clay Thomas
|TKO
|3 (8), {{small|1:13}}
|{{small|January 22, 1968}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Plaza Arena, Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Charlie Harris
|TKO
|6 (8)
|{{small|November 27, 1967}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Plaza Arena, [[Secaucus, New Jersey|Secaucus]], New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|15
|{{no2}}Loss
|10–3–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jerry Tomasetti
|TKO
|5 (6), {{small|1:07}}
|{{small|July 19, 1967}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Don McAteer
|TKO
|7 (8), {{small|1:32}}
|{{small|April 28, 1967}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Jersey City Armory|Armory]], [[Jersey City]], New Jersey, U.S.}}
|align=left|{{small|Won vacant USA New Jersey State [[heavyweight]] title}}
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Lou Hicks
|UD
|6
|{{small|January 18, 1967}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Dave Centi
|PTS
|6
|{{small|October 21, 1966}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Johnny Deutsch
|TKO
|6 (6)
|{{small|August 3, 1966}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Memorial Stadium, [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]], [[Pennsylvania]] U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Cleo Daniels
|UD
|6
|{{small|April 6, 1966}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Westchester County Center]], [[White Plains, New York|White Plains]], New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jerry Tomasetti
|UD
|6
|{{small|February 22, 1966}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Sunnyside Gardens, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|8
|{{no2}}Loss
|4–2–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Buster Mathis]]
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} 
|3 (6), {{small|1:58}}
|{{small|January 17, 1966}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|7
|{{no2}}Loss
|4–1–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Bob Stallings
|SD
|6
|{{small|October 19, 1965}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Sunnyside Gardens, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|6
|style="background:#abcdef;"|Draw
|4–0–2
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Everett Copeland
|PTS
|6
|{{small|March 23, 1965}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Sunnyside Gardens, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0–1
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Raymond Patterson
|{{abbr|SD|Split decision}}
|6
|{{small|January 19, 1965}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Sunnyside Gardens, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0–1
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jerry Tomasetti
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}
|4
|{{small|December 18, 1964}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Madison Square Garden]], New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|3
|style="background:#abcdef;"|Draw
|2–0–1
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Everett Copeland
|{{abbr|SD|Split draw}}
|6
|{{small|October 27, 1964}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Sunnyside Gardens, Queens|Sunnyside Gardens]], New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Rudy Pavesi
|{{abbr|PTS|Points decision}}
|4
|{{small|August 14, 1964}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.}}
|align=left|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} George Cooper
|{{abbr|KO|Knockout}}
|3 (4), {{small|1:35}}
|{{small|August 5, 1964}}
|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|City Stadium, [[Bayonne, New Jersey|Bayonne]], [[New Jersey]], [[U.S.]]}}
|align=left|
|-
{{s-end}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Biography}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Boxrec|id=97}}
*[http://www.hossli.com/articles/2007/01/01/chuck-wepner-%e2%80%93-the-real-rocky/ Chuck Wepner – The Real Rocky], by Peter Hossli, January 1, 2007.
*{{IMDb name|0921200|Chuck Wepner}}

{{Rocky}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wepner, Chuck}}
[[Category:1939 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Bayonne High School alumni]]
[[Category:Boxers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bayonne, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Rocky (franchise)]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:American male boxers]]
[[Category:American people of German descent]]
[[Category:American people of Ukrainian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Polish descent]]
[[Category:Heavyweight boxers]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of New Jersey]]
[[Category:American people convicted of drug offenses]]