Chuck Wepner: The real-life Rocky who floored Ali
When part-time fighter Chuck Wepner fought Muhammad Ali in 1975, no one gave him a chance. But he soon knocked down all expectations, and inspired a cinematic saga in the process.
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)
Last on
More episodes
Broadcasts
- Sat 16 Sep 202304:50GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & Europe and the Middle East only
- Sat 16 Sep 202317:50GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Sat 16 Sep 202318:50GMTBBC World Service West and Central Africa
- Sat 16 Sep 202323:50GMTBBC World Service except Americas and the Caribbean, East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa & BBC Afghan Radio
- Sun 17 Sep 202303:50GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa
- Sun 17 Sep 202323:50GMTBBC World Service West and Central Africa
- Mon 18 Sep 202302:50GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa
Podcast
![]()
Sporting Witness
Personal stories of amazing moments from sporting history told by people who were there



