Chuck Wepner (born February 26, 1939) is a former heavyweight boxer, of Bayonne, New Jersey.

Early career

Wepner, nicknamed "The Bayonne Bleeder" debuted as a professional boxer in 1964, and began posting many wins and some losses. He had formerly boxed while a member of the United States Marine Corps, and had worked as a security guard before turning pro. [3] [4] He was the New Jersey State Heavyweight Boxing Champion and popular fighter in the Northeast's Club Boxing circuit. But after losing fights to George Foreman (by knockout in three) and Sonny Liston (by knockout in ten) many boxing fans thought that his days as a contender were numbered. After the fight with Liston, Wepner needed over 120 sutures in his face. He also lost a fight to Jose King Roman by a decision in Puerto Rico.

However, after losing to Joe Bugner by a knockout in three in England, Wepner won nine of his next eleven fights, including victories over Charlie Polite and former WBA Heavyweight champion Ernie Terrell.

Muhammad Ali fight

Then, in 1975, it was announced Wepner would challenge Muhammad Ali for the world's Heavyweight title. This bout was the first time he had been able to train full time.[citation needed] Most boxing fans assumed that Ali would trounce Wepner in the opening rounds.[citation needed] The fight was held on March 24 at Cleveland. Before the fight, 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. ”

Against all expectations, Wepner managed to knock down Ali, felling him in the ninth round with a right hand to the ribs. The referee Tony Perez ruled a knockdown although it appeared Wepner may have been standing on Ali's foot. In an ESPN Classic episode featuring this fight, however, Wepner and Ali trainer Angelo Dundee did not think that Wepner was standing on Ali's foot.[citation needed] In any case, this made Wepner the only boxer to knock down Ali while he was the reigning heavyweight champion of the world.

Wepner proudly told his manager, Dom Bufano of Bufano's gym in Jersey City,
Source : Wikipedia