Chuck Wepner the "Bayonne Bleeder"

[RINGNEWS24]

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During his formidable professional career heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner was known as the "Bayonne Bleeder". Hundreds of stitches had adorned his rugged face throughout his career. After his fighting days were over Chuck has become known to his legion of fans as the "Real Life Rocky". The inspiration for Sylvester Stallone's film character Rocky Balboa. *Wepner was born on February 26,1939 in New York. He was the son of a heavyweight boxer and as an amateur he won the 1964 New York Golden Gloves Novice heavyweight title. He then turned professional. In his first two years in the paid ranks he went 4-1-2 losing only to tough Bob Stallings. On January 7,1966 Chuck met highly regarded prospect Buster Mathis at Madison Square Garden. Wepner was halted in the third round. In 1967 Wepner would win the New Jersey State heavyweight title stopping Don McAteer in the seventh.

 

 

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