We've Seen It!

...and it's AWESOME!!







The Real Rocky inspiration:















in 1975, it was announced that Chuck Wepner would challenge Muhammad Ali for the world's Heavyweight title. Wepner had previously been forced to work as a liquor salesman and security guard to make ends meet. Wepner had also been a United States Marine before his fight with Ali. This bout was the first time he had been able to train full time for a bout. Most fans took the fight as a joke, and Ali was heavily favoured to retain the belt in the fight, held on March 24 at Cleveland. Before the fight, a reporter asked Wepner if he thought he could survive (15 rounds) 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 when he reached his ribs with a right hand in the ninth round and sent the champion to the canvas. Wepner proudly told his manager, "Hey, I knocked him down.The manager replied

"but he looks really pissed off now..."

Despite being dominated by Ali, who cut Wepner above both eyes, Wepner battled gamely on, finally losing by a TKO in the 15th. After the Ali fight, Wepner fought through 1978, but never got another title shot.