Chuck Wepner: Legendary Boxer Inspired Sylvester Stallone's Rocky

The character of Rocky Balboa — and his scrappy story — was loosely based on Wepner's career and legendary fights

Chuck wepner, sylvester stallone hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

I wanted to retire. This is a hard world”: Boxing Legend Who Inspired $1.7B Sylvester Stallone Franchise Couldn't Retire as His Grandkids Weren't as “Blessed” as Him

The Fight that Inspired the Rocky franchise - Ali vs Wepner

Boxer Chuck Wepner, inspiration for 'Rocky,' honored with statue

Legend has it, Chuck Wepner's gutsy performance against Muhammad Ali #OnThisDay in 1975 inspired Sylvester Stallone to write the Oscar-winning film, By Boxing News and History

Chuck': Five things you should know about the real 'Rocky' Chuck Wepner

20 facts you might not know about 'Rocky

Chuck Wepner, The Inspiration For 'Rocky' Film Series, Gets His Own Statue

Chuck Wepner: Legendary Boxer Inspired Sylvester Stallone's Rocky

Chuck Wepner: Meet the Heavyweight Boxer Who Inspired 'Rocky