Former heavyweight contender Chuck Wepner earned the nickname The Bayonne Bleeder during a pro career that lasted from 1964 to 1978. He faced George Foreman, Sonny Liston and, most famously, Muhammad Ali in compiling a 35-14-2 record. He also wrestled Andre the Giant. And a grizzly bear.
In the end, Wepner may be best known for inspiring Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky" films ... and eventually suing Stallone when he never saw a dime from the franchise based on his life story. Stallone eventually settled with Wepner for an undisclosed amount.
Now ESPN Films has done a documentary on Wepner called "The Real Rocky" (check local listings for replay dates/times). Hollywood - which never met a boxing underdog story it didn't like - is also getting in on the action with "The Bleeder", starring Liev Schreiber.
The Real Rocky: A visit with the Bayonne Bleeder - By Michael Weinreb, Grantland.com
Comments
This is totally not true, Rocky Balboa was entirely based off of Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s life and career, Joe Frazier knocked out Ali in one of the world’s most memorable fights, Chuck Wepner didn’t, Frazier ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum to train, Wepner didn’t, Frazier had the biggest heart and determination the boxing world had never seen before, WEPNER DIDN’T.
Stallone got the idea for “Rocky” while watching the Ali-Wepner fight. The movie was absolutely NOT based on the life of Chuck Wepner. I thought it was audacious of Wepner to sue Stallone.
I can never watch the Rocky films without the lingering thought that Stallone was glorifying himself as a “wannabe heroic figure” the same as most of his films. I’m not sure it matters who it was based on, the truth is it was not true to life in the boxing world. The fight scenes were utterly beyond belief, knockdowns not counted, punishment sustained inhuman stretching credibility past all limits. I watched a replay of Wepner v Ali and was amazed at Wepners determination and courage. As limited as his skills were they were infinitely superior to the ones portrayed by Stallone. In my not very humble opinion the Rocky films were an insult to our sport.
Smokin Joe Frazier personally told me “Rocky” was based on Smoke’s life. He did talk to Stallone about that fact. Stallone gave him a “Cameo” appearance. You all know the scene.
Rest In Peace “Smoke”.
If Rocky was based on Frazier then why did Sly Stallone hang out in Buffano’s Gym in Jersey City day in & day out where Wepner trained? Truth is Rocky wasn’t just about Wepner nor Frazier, it’s about Rocky Balboa, a Stallone fictious character who Stallone imagined in his fantasies to be him. Rocky lives in Philly , runs up the Museaum stairs & punches meat like Frazier. He fights Ali like both of them. But frazier wasn’t a super underdog, he was an undefeated boxing superstar who many thought would & did win in the most hyped fight esince Dempsey -Tunney. Wepner was more like Rocky in the underdog ham & egger, only in reality in a higher class as the NJ Champion & while not in the top 10, he was in the top 20.
@Daniel
Daniel boy is completely confused and out of his mind.
It was a fictitious story but he clearly took inspiration from Wepner, and he should have been paid by Stallone to use them in his movie.