The rough-and-tumble boxing champ from the streets of Bayonne who inspired the iconic “Rocky” film series and two other movies will never be knocked down again.
City officials announced last week plans to unveil a larger-than-life, 2,500-pound statue honoring hometown legend Chuck Wepner during a ceremony at Dennis P. Collins Park at noon on Nov. 12.
“The city of Bayonne is very proud of Chuck Wepner,” Mayor Jimmy Davis said. “We are very happy that he will be with us in person on Nov. 12 to enjoy the long-awaited unveiling of the statue, which is sure to become a very popular attraction in Dennis P. Collins Park.”
Wepner, the ultimate underdog who earned the nickname the “Bayonne Bleeder,” famously went toe to toe with Muhammed Ali for 15 rounds in a 1975 heavyweight championship fight. The journeyman Wepner’s effort in the 15-round loss — he’s credited with knocking Ali down in the ninth round — inspired Sylvester Stallone to make the classic boxing film “Rocky.”
Two biopics, the authorized “Chuck,” starring Lieve Schrieber, and “The Bleeder” also made it to the silver screen.
“I am very honored,” said Wepner, now 83. “It means a lot to me because it will be there a lot longer than me.”
The New Jersey legend has been fighting rectal colon cancer for the past few years. He said it has caused him to lose about 40 pounds, at which he joked, “I am now a light heavyweight instead of a heavyweight.”
Wepner’s 14-year career included 35 victories (17 knockouts), 14 losses and two draws. Along the way he held the New Jersey Heavyweight title and the National Americas Heavyweight title.
The effort to raise funds to create the statue was led by Bayonne businessman and Wepner’s longtime friend, Bruce Dillin.
Dillin began working on his vision for the bronze statue of the boxing legend back in 2015. In 2017, his next-door neighbor, sculptor Zhen Wu offered to construct the larger-than-life mold for free, only requiring Dillin to obtain the materials.
It took six months for Wu, a Chinese-born artist and Bayonne resident, to make the bronze statue.
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2022-11-06 10:10:00Z
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