Statue of retired boxer Chuck Wepner to be unveiled in Dennis P. Collins Park

Retired boxer Chuck Wepner is going to be honored with a bronze statue of his likeness at Dennis P. Collins Park.

News 12 Staff

Nov 11, 2022, 9:37 PM

Updated 703 days ago

Share:

Retired boxer Chuck Wepner is going to be honored with a bronze statue of his likeness at Dennis P. Collins Park.
Wepner, nicknamed ‘The Bayonne Bleeder’ because of propensity to get cuts during fights, became one of New Jersey's greatest folk heroes after he shocked the world by going 15 rounds against Muhammad Ali in 1975. That famous fight also inspired Sylvester Stallone to write the script for the classic film, "Rocky."
Wepner says he is grateful for the statue.
“It's a great, great honor. Of all the honors I got, this is probably the greatest,” he said. “I'm the first guy I know who's got a statue and still be alive to enjoy it.”
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at noon in the park on First Street.