The REAL UNDERDOG who fought Muhammad Ali and inspired The ROCKY Franchise

Wepner was expected to lose big and fast!

Underdog Wepner sends Ali to the canvas in the 9th!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLA8HIAQEzU

Here’s the 1975 Boxing match

https://youtu.be/HW2evkMhOqs?si=470gUst7IQbAUJtA

Ali KO’s Kepner in 15th round. 

Charles Wepner is a former professional boxer and New Jersey State Heavyweight title winner. He earned the nickname "The Bayonne Bleeder" for his tendency to bleed during fights. Wepner is best known for his 1975 fight against Muhammad Ali for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Although Ali won by knockout in the 15th round, Wepner lasted 19 seconds shy of the full 15 rounds and knocked Ali down in the 9th. 

Born: Feb 26, 1939 (86 years), New York, NY

Spouse: Linda Wepner

Height and weight: Height 6′ 5″, Weight 224 lbs

Siblings: Don Wepner

Parents: Charles William Wepner, Dolores Hrynko

Martial art: Boxing

Total Fights: 51 
Wins: 35 
Losses: 14 
Draws: 2 
Wins by Knockout (KO): 17 

MUST WATCH:

The Greatest Underdog Story Ever Told/ Stallone on Making ROCKY

https://youtu.be/PISX0iaMsXc?si=QZVUHbidFJASEhmx

MUST WATCH FOR THE NEXT ROCKY

https://youtube.com/shorts/DhTjbHq1mWw?si=IQe63PgEmj8B2lzB