Chuck Wepner is a former professional boxer and fought as a heavyweight. He was active as a professional from 1964-1978. As a boxer, he fell just a second short of a full 15 rounds with world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in 1975.
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Wepner also has some famous wins against Randy Neumann and former World Heavyweight Champion Ernie Terrell. The movie Rocky was inspired and was also the subject of the movie called the Bawler in 2019.
In this article, we will go through Charles Wepner net worth, bio, achievements, wife and many more.
Table of Contents
Charles Wepner: Quick Facts
| Full Name | Charles Wepner |
| Nick Name | Chuck, Wepner, The Bayonne Bleeder |
| Date of Birth | 26th February 1939 |
| Birth Place | New York City |
| Age | 84 years |
| Sun Sign | Pisces |
| Father’s Name | Charles William Wepner |
| Mother’s Name | Dolores Wepner |
| Siblings | Don Wepner |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | 101 kg |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Ethnicity | Orthodox |
| Body Measurements | Under Review |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Shoe Size | Under Review |
| Active Status | 1964-1978 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $400,000 |
| Last Update On | March 2023 |
How Old is Chuck Wepner?
Chuck was born on 26th February 1939. Chuck Wepner age is 84 years as of 2023. His father’s name is Charles William Wepner and his mother’s name is Dolores Wepner. He was brought up by his mother and grandparents near Hudson Boulevard. Boxer Charles is a German, Ukrainian, and Polish Descendent.
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Wepner learned to fight in the streets of New Jersey because the people living there were mostly from the docks and naval base and you have to fight to survive.
Chuck grew up in the city with his brother Don. Growing up in the streets made him rough and the streets taught Wepner to defend himself and survive. He was consistently an enthusiastic player of sports in his childhood, playing ball for the Police Athletic League when he was young.
With very limited options for his career and his future, he joined the military and later joined on US Marines where he became a member of the boxing team and became the military champion. In the year 1975, Chuck saved three Marine pilots from blazing airplanes.
Chuck Wepner Height and Body Measurement
Being in the fields of sports Chuck was undoubtedly physically fit and active. He was always an avid sports player.
Chuck Wepner height is 6 feet 5 inches and his weight is about 101 kg. This physical appearance was a great help in his career and making a name out of it.
Though the body measurement is unknown there is no denying that he has a muscular athletic physique. In addition to that, he was blessed with sharp brown eyes and blonde hair.
Education and Early Life
Wepner was born in 1939, on 26 February in New York City but started living with his mother and brother alongside his grandparents in New Jersey.
He began his formal education at Bayonne High School and actively played sports most precisely basketball for the school.
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He completed high school and joined the US marine where he got popular as a boxer as well as his mammoth stamina and physical appearance.
Charles Wepner Career
Joining the US marine and the ability to withstand other boxer’s punches helped Chuck to win the military championship.
In the year 1964 Chuck worked as a bouncer for a night club and the same year, he won New York Golden Gloves Heavyweight Novice Championship. In the same year, Chuck’s record was 16 wins and some losses as an amateur.
This gave him a nickname called “Bayonne Bleeder”
Chuck started his professional career on August 5 1964 against George Cooper and the win against George made him in the limelight.
Chuck Wepner Golden Years
In the year 1967 Chuck won the first title of his professional career defeating Don McAteer.
Chuck fought Randy Neumann three times in his career in 1968, at the first match Randy won the title, similarly in the second match in the year 1972 15th April Randy vs. Chuck, Chuck got his title back after defeating Randy and for the third and final time which result in the defeat of Chuck.
In the year 1975 Wepner challenged World heavyweight champion title holder Muhammad Ali.
For the fight with Ali he quoted that “I have been a survivor my whole life, If I survived Marine, I can survive Ali”
Ali knocked Wepner with 19 seconds left for the 15th This is considered one of the best and most interesting matches of all time.
The highlight of his career has to be the fight against Muhammad Ali.
The movie “Rocky” was based on the fight between Ali and Chuck.
In 1976 Wepner fought against Andre the Giant and lost the match as he was thrown out of the ring.
Wepner’s last match was in 1978 May-2 when he was fighting for New Jersey heavyweight championship which he lost to Scott Frank after the match, he announced his retirement.
In his career, he fought 55 fights out of which he won 35 fights, losing 14 along with 2
Chuck Wepner Controversies
Instead of indulging himself in other, he began abusing drugs, along the way in the year 1985 he was arrested on the drug charge and sentenced to 10 years in prison
Chuck Wepner along with John Olson forged Muhammad Ali autographs, and this was associated with FBI’s operation Bullpen
Operation Bullpen was about a $100 million fake autograph scam, and this was considered as the biggest forge in the history of Rings. In 2002 FBI arrested both of them.
Chuck Wepner Wife
Unlike his professional career his personal life also faced a series of ups and downs. Chuck Wepner has been married thrice in his life. The name of his first wife is Lorma Wepner with whom the boxer shares two kids.
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Charlene and Chuck Jr are the two kids. When Chuck got married a second time, it was to Phyllis Wepner. From Wepner’s second marriage, he too had Kimberly.
Sadly the second marriage didn’t last too. As they say third time lucky, Chuck Wepner tied the knot with Linda Wepner in 1995. Things have worked well this time and they have been married for more than 2 decades.
Chuck Wepner Vs Muhammad Ali
Chuck Wepner Net Worth 2023
Chuck’s wealth came from his professional boxing career. Later, he enhanced his net worth by owning a liquor business and receiving royalties from a film based on his name.
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Chuck Wepner net worth is around $400k as of 2023. He got $100,000 from his match with Muhammad Ali, the most of any of his matches. Chuck sued Sylvester Stallone for money in 2003 since the film was inspired by him, and the suit was resolved but the amount was not disclosed.
Currently, he works at a liquor store with his wife, Linda, and makes a livelihood from it. We can say Chuck Wepner net worth isn’t breaking the roof. In addition to Rocky, Chuck was the subject of the critical praised sports drama Chuck.
Social Media Presence
Chuck Wepner, a famous boxer, and not available on social media. We believe he is old age to refrain from using social networking sites. He doesn’t have any social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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To honor Chuck Wepner, fans from all around the world share his pictures and boxing videos with the hashtag #chuckwepner.
Lesser Known Facts about Chuck Wepner
- Chuck Wepner faced three world heavyweight champions: Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali (reigning champ).
- The film “Rocky” was released in 1976 and won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Wepner sued Sylvester Stallone for financial compensation for being the idea for the film and its sequels. In 2006, he received an undisclosed settlement.
- Wepner served as a guest judge at WrestleMania XV in Philadelphia. The boxing match was between Butterbean and Bart Gunn.
- Wepner was the subject of an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary titled “The Real Rocky” in 2011. Jeff Feuerzeig, the film’s director, is also a writer and executive producer for “Chuck.” Both movies and documentaries are produced by Mike Tollin.
FAQs
Did Chuck Wepner Sue Sylvester Stallone?
Yes, Chuck Wepner filed a lawsuit against Sylvester Stallone in 2003. The motive for the suit was to seek remuneration for his use as the inspiration for Rocky and the film series. The case was resolved in 2006 for an unknown sum with Stallone.
Who is the Rocky movie based on?
The Rocky film and series are based on the life of former boxer Chuck Wepner. Chuck Wepner was widely regarded as the inspiration for Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky film persona.
Did Chuck Wepner fight a bear?
Yes, when his boxing career ended in the mid-1970s, Wepner faced Victor the Bear twice. Victor the Bear was the real animal bear. Despite being declawed, defanged, and wearing a muzzle the bear was dangerous. Wepner was cautioned not to strike the bear in the face.
What is Chuck Wepner net worth?
As of 2023, Chuck Wepner net worth is $400,000.
