Chuck Wepner

Just watched the ESPN 30 for 30 on "The Real Rocky", Chuck Wepner. They make reference that Chuck worked for mob guys before he became a Pro and a liquor salesman. Anyone heard of this guy?

He would have been in Hudson County area NOT Philly.

Wepner, known as The Bayonne Bleeder (a reference to his hometown and the fact that he would bleed profusely in his fights) was a big banger. He'd hit hard and he could take a lot of punishment from other bangers. He fought Muhammad Ali in a story VERY similar to that of "Rocky". I don't know of his mob connections.

If you want to read about Jersey fighters and the mob I suggest (very strongly) that you read "Jersey Boy" about lightheavyweight Frankie DePaula. DePaula was one of my favorite fighters and I saw him box at the Garden two or three times. The book is a good read and gives some insight into the mob's connection with boxing. (DePaula was killed in the early '70s).

I just saw the book in B&N SC, didnt really have much time to read much of it though. Who in the mob was involved in his story?? I dindt notice many big names.