Chuck Wepner

Charles Wepner was born on February 26, 1939, in New York City.[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. He is of German, Ukrainian, and Polish descent.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.

Wepner learned to fight on the streets of Bayonne, New Jersey,{{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}} 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 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.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."

At the age of 15, Wepner decided he would join the U.S. Marines, inspired by the movie Battle Cry.{{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}} 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.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}}

Wepner turned professional in 1964 and became a popular boxer on the Northeast's 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.

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?"

Wepner had formerly boxed while a member of the United States Marine Corps, and had worked as a bouncer before turning pro.{{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 }} 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.{{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}} After his retirement, Wepner stated that Liston was the hardest puncher he ever fought.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/tag/fightland/|title=FIGHTLAND|website=Vice.com}}

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.

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 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.{{cite web |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,917248,00.html |title=In Stitches |date=April 7, 1975 |publisher=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}} The match was held on March 24 at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio, south of 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."{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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 "goes the distance".{{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}} For years after Rocky was released, Stallone denied that Wepner provided inspiration for the movie, though he eventually admitted it.{{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}}{{cite video |people=Feuerzeig, Jeff (Director) |date=October 25, 2011 |title=The Real Rocky |medium=Motion picture |publisher=ESPN Films}}

In 1976, Wepner fought professional wrestler André the Giant and lost by countout after Andre threw him out of the ring.{{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 | Chuck Wepner (ex) 1/1 |publisher=YouTube |date=April 21, 2009 |access-date=November 20, 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{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}}

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.{{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 }} Wepner lost the match in a 12-round decision, but again proved durable. He announced his retirement afterwards.{{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 }}

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.

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.{{cite news |title=Boxing Wepner, Once Fought Ali, Gets 10 Years For Drugs |publisher=Sun Sentinel |date=March 16, 1988}}{{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}} He served 17 months in Northern State Prison, Newark, New Jersey, then spent another 20 months in New Jersey's intensive supervision program.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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.{{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 | Professional | 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}}

A film about Wepner's career was released in 2012,{{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}} and ESPN aired a documentary titled The Real Rocky on October 25, 2011.{{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}} The ESPN film features a clip of Wepner's ninth round knockdown of Muhammad Ali in their 1975 world heavyweight title bout.{{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}}[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.

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.

• Sylvester Stallone's character Rocky Balboa and portions of the Rocky film series were inspired by the life of Chuck Wepner."The Greatest Underdog Story Ever Told | Stallone On Making ROCKY"/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PISX0iaMsXc 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.{{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}}
• Liev Schreiber played the role of Wepner in a sports film, Chuck.{{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}}
• Zach McGowan played the role of Wepner in another sports film, The Brawler.{{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}}
• In 2022, a statue of Wepner was unveiled in Collins Park in Bayonne.{{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 }} The project had been several years in the works.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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}}{{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}}

{{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

|UD

|12

|{{small|September 26, 1978}}

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Ice World, 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|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 Arena, Binghamton, New York, U.S.}}

|align=left|

|-

|48

|{{no2}}Loss

|34–12–2

|align=left|{{flagicon|South Africa|1928}} 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, 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, 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, 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, U.S.}}

|align=left|

|-

|43

|{{no2}}Loss

|31–10–2

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Muhammad Ali

|TKO

|15 (15), {{small|2:41}}

|{{small|March 24, 1975}}

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio U.S.}}

|align=left|{{small|For WBA and 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, 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|Convention Hall, 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, 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|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

|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

|PTS

|10

|{{small|June 22, 1969}}

|align=left|{{flagicon|Puerto Rico}} {{small|Hiram Bithorn Stadium, 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|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, 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, 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|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 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, 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, 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, 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, U.S.}}

|align=left|

|-

{{s-end}}

{{reflist}}

{{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