Muhammad Ali vs Chuck Wepner for the undisputed world heavyweight title

Date: March 24, 1975

Venue: Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio

Ali stance: orthodox

Wepner stance: orthodox

After Muhammad Ali was stripped of his undisputed world champion status in 1967, he spent three and a half years out of the ring. He returned in October 1970 with a quick stoppage of Jerry Quarry. Six months later, Ali challenged the new undisputed heavyweight champion, Joe Frazier, and suffered his first loss. Ali then won his next ten fights before losing on points to Ken Norton. He won the rematch with Norton, and after winning another rematch from Frazier, he regained his titles by stopping George Foreman in The Rumble in the Jungle. His first defence would be five months later against Wepner.

Chuck Wepner is credited as being the inspiration behind the Rocky series of films starring Sylester Stallone. He turned pro in 1964 and while he usually lost when he stepped up to elite level, Wepner had wins over Randy Neumann and former champion Ernie Terrell. Wepner's nickname was The Bayonne Bleeder because he suffered bad cuts in so many fights. He was a big, tough, durable boxer who looked on boxing as a part time job while he worked as a liquor salesman. His manager, Bill Prezant, predicted a huge upset for Ali because Wepner had enjoyed a full eight-week training camp for the first time in his boxing career.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Muhammad Ali - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000180

Chuck Wepner - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/97