Original version

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

Sporting Witness

Podcasts

Factual: History

Sport

The inside and personal story of the key moments from sporting history

No Master Brand

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC Afghan Radio

Sporting Witness: Chuck Wepner: The real-life Rocky who floored Ali

Magazines & Reviews

Chuck Wepner: The real-life Rocky who floored Ali

16/09/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Sporting Witness, Chuck Wepner: The real-life Rocky who floored Ali

How American boxer Chuck Wepner knocked Muhammad Ali to the canvas in 1975

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)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Sporting Witness

Chuck Wepner: The real-life Rocky who floored Ali

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

About BBC World Service