50 Years Ago Today: The “Real Life Rocky” Is Born As Wepner (almost) Goes The Distance With Ali

03/24/2025 James Slater

Muhammad Ali was bigger than ever. And Ali, who really had made absolutely everyone sit up and pay attention in recognizing him as “The Greatest” with his stunning title-reclaiming win over an “invincible” George Foreman in October of 1974, was now talking about engaging in nothing but super-fights, the kind that only super-rich countries could afford to host.

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Happy Birthday Chuck Wepner: The “Real-Life Rocky” Turns 84

02/26/202302/26/2023 James Slater

With last year’s passing of Earnie Shavers, the list of surviving Muhammad Ali opponents took another hit. We still have greats like George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and George Chuvalo, as well as a few other guys who played their part in the Ali story – the biggest story in heavyweight boxing.

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Chuck Wepner Honoured With Statue Unveiling In Bayonne: “When I Go, I’m Gonna Be Cremated – Stick Me Down Next To My Statue!”

11/13/2022 James Slater

Yesterday, in his hometown of Bayonne, former world heavyweight title challenger and genuine all-around tough guy Chuck Wepner was present as a statue of his likeness was unveiled by the mayor and other dignitaries.

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