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Sporting Witness, Sporting Witness, Chuck Wepner: The real-life Rocky who floored Ali

Sporting Witness

Sporting Witness

Chuck Wepner: The real-life Rocky who floored Ali

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September 16, 2023

10 minutes

Available for over a year

When part-time fighter Chuck Wepner is given a shot to fight heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in 1975, no one gives him a chance.

But his heroism in the ring knocked down all expectations, including those of the champ, and inspired a cinematic saga in the process.

He speaks to Ben Wyatt about the build up and the big fight itself.

This is a Comuniqé production for the BBC World Service.

(Photo: Chuck Wepner takes a swing at Muhammad Ali in the second round of their heavyweight title bout in March 1975. Credit: Getty Images)