The Muhammad Ali Fight That Inspired Rocky Was Just As Unbelievable

They say that reality is stranger than fiction, especially when it comes to boxing. Ali’s fight against Chuck Wepner wasn’t expected to be anything spectacular, but a display of indomitable spirit and otherworldly toughness culminated in a moment that inspired the pivotal boxing blockbuster, Rocky. Fresh from his “Rumble in the Jungle” knockout over George Foreman, Ali had recaptured his WBA and WBC World Heavyweight titles, and was once again the baddest man on the planet. The powers that be decided that the new, and once again, heavyweight champion needed a break from world class opposition. In other words, Ali, the Apollo Creed of this tale, needed a tune-up.

So, in an unexpected turn, promoters selected part-time pugilist Chuck Wepner as Ali’s next opponent. Just like the character Rocky, Wepner was, by all accounts, an unlikely heavyweight contender. The 35-year-old New Jersey native was a six-foot-five brawler known for his borderline-illegal roughhousing tactics and rock-solid durability. That said, his sturdy chin seemed to be covered with tissue paper, his losses to a young George Foreman and a retiring Sonny Liston both ended because he got cut. But, after stringing together enough wins, he finally cracked the heavyweight top-10, granting him a longshot, but a legitimate shot, at a world title bout.

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