The Real Rocky — friday night fights at the movies!
November 4th, 2011 by Mr. C
Director: Jeff Reuerzeig
Starring: Chuck Wepner
Genre: boxing documentary
ESPN 30/30 films churned out another righteous & entertaining documentary called The Real Rocky which chronicled the boxing life story of Northern New Jersey’s own, the Bayonne bleeder — Chuck Wepner and his battle to get some recognition and royalties from the Rocky movie franchise. Sylvester Stallone had made it known all along that Wepner was the inspiration for Rocky Balboa as Stallone witnessed the brutal boxing match between Muhammad Ali vs Chuck Wepner on March 24, 1975. Wepner would surprise a lot of folks by enduring 15 rounds with the champion before getting TKO’d in the 15th. Originally, Wepner was scheduled to fight George Foreman for the heavyweight title but after the rumble in the jungle — plans changed.
The documentary started out with the Chuck Wepner of 2010 doing some road work dressed in his sweats and knit cap which then progressed into a workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, shadowboxing and working on the speed & heavy bags. The Rocky theme music would be playing in the background. Not for nothing, but the old lion still looks like he can still pack a punch! George Foreman, where are you?? I think we found you a perfect matchup!! It may be 35+ years late, but… — Wepner would then finish his workout by triumphantly running up some long steps at Hudson County Park in Bayonne, NJ! Sound familiar?? Guess where Stallone got that from!
This film would only get better as a who’s who sportswriter roundtable gathered at the gritty Ringside Tavern in Jersey City, NJ which included: Bill Gallo – RIP (Daily News), Jerry Izenberg (Newark Star Ledger), Charlie Mcgill (Bergen Record), Vic Ziegel – RIP (NY Post), Bob Kurland, and John Rowe (Bergen Record). Boy, I would of loved to be a fly on that wall! They had fun talking about the Bayonne Bleeder and his problematic cuts in matches which led to a river of blood on his face. They all agreed Wepner was not the most talented of pugilists but he was one tough cookie that always gave it his all. Bill Gallo even mentioned that he drew a cartoon of Wepner bleeding at the onset of touching gloves with his opponent even before the bell was rung! These sportswriters/cartoonists are vicious!
*Excerpts from Sports Illustrated*
– “Wepner has swallowed more blood than dracula!”
– “He has enough stitches in his face for a double knit suit!”
The Bayonne Bleeder, a former marine–former bouncer at a go-go bar–former leg breaker for the mob–was a very colorful character. Unfortunately, that also included run ins with johnny law due to his bouts with cocaine use. John Belushi’s name was mentioned in the mix as well. Possession of cocaine would eventually lead Wepner to spend some time up at Northern State prison in Newark, NJ. As luck would have it or maybe he was just shadowing Chuck Wepner to find more inspirational stories, Sylvester Stallone and his cast happened to be filming “Lock Up” at Northern State at the same time when he was in prison.
Some other off the wall circus acts on the menu from this Bayonne outlaw included wrestling a real life bear named Victor at Art Stocks — Royal Manor and the infamous mixed wrestling match vs Andre the Giant at Shea Stadium: War of the Worlds! Chuck Wepner looked like pee wee herman compared to the 7’ 500lb Andre the Giant! The bayonne bleeder tried his haymaker shots and his well known rabbit punches to the back of the head but the Giant swatted those bee stings away and eventually picked up the NJ outlaw and threw him outside the ring! A melee broke loose after Wepner got back in the square! As another coincidence, Rocky II had Rocky Balboa wrestling Hulk Hogan as Thunder Lips! Hmmm?! I wonder if the Wepner vs Andre the Giant was an inspiration?!!
Chuck Wepner vs Andre the Giant courtesy of baltazarbrothers @ youtube
As Chuck was living his day to day being a liquor salesman while receiving no financial rewards from the Rocky franchise, not even a penny — what really broke the straw in the camel’s back for Wepner was when Sylvester Stallone came to Edgewater, NJ to film Copland with Robert Deniro but had made no mention to him. 30+ years have gone by and ‘0’ benefits from the Rocky franchise. Can you say lawsuit? Vince Mcmahon had a word of advice for Stallone — settle —
In September of 1978, the Bayonne Bleeder would have his last fight vs Scott Frank. Wepner went the distance but lost his State Title to a younger and hungrier opponent.
Chuck is happily married to his 3rd wife and still lives in Bayonne.
The Real Rocky is heavily recommended and definitely worth your time! Chuck Wepner also did the narration for the film which added a genuine Jersey bada bing touch! Director, Jeff Reuerzeig is said to be in the works developing the film “The Bayonne Bleeder” which is based on the life story of this Jersey outlaw! See you at the movies for this bruiser fest!
Tags: bayonne bleeder, boxing, chuck wepner, documentary, mr c, real rocky
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