The almighty Chuck Wepner smokes the man who calls himself Smokin'. For whatever reason, people seem to forget that Wepner was the guy who schooled a green Foreman, retired Sonny Liston, thrashed Earnie Terrell and left Ali lying on ***** street. He also inspired the greatest boxing film of all time in Rocky. Not good enough? No problem. He defeated an awesome fighter in Terry Hinke to win the prestigous New Jersey state athletic title. Wepner is an all time great.... See below how well conditioned he was in the Ali fight.. This content is protected
Chuck Wagon would have made dog meat out of just about any great fighter... This content is protected
Ali toyed with Wepner, was never on "*****" street, and just appeared disinterested. Frazier would have been serious and I don't see Wepner going past six.
@Mr. Magoo very good pictures! Weppner had courage, but I do not think that he could have been a danger for Smokin`Joe.
Frazier vs Wepner I think would probably be similar to Frazier vs Quarry I, or Frazier vs Ron Stander. Wepner was definitely capable of hurting Frazier, maybe even dropping him, but I can't see Wepner doing enough to keep himself from being beaten by Frazier. He'd wilt under the body attack that Joe would bring to this fight. Wepner probably beats the same shot Frazier that did slightly better but still was KO'd against Foreman in Uniondale 1976. Smokin Joe KO inside 10 rounds.
I disagree. Wepner was not a heavy puncher, so I cannot picture him hurting Frazier, let alone dropping him. Also, Wepner was not nearly as competitive a fighter as the 1969 version of Jerry Quarry, so he could not have given Joe the kind of intense battle that Jerry did. More than anything else, Wepner was a gritty clubfighter who could take a great punch and soak up lots of punishment. Wepner was mentally tough...that's how he made his reputation. My take on a 1975 Frazier-Wepner meeting is that Frazier wins within five to eight rounds in a one-sided contest. Wepner would probably remain on his feet, but he would be badly hurt and beaten. I think Wepner would amaze everyone with his courage, but in way could he threaten Frazier.
Frazier was past his prime in 75 but still gave a better preserved Ali the fight of his life ... Wepner was a tough guy but no where near Frazier's class ... Frazier would have beaten him down and stopped him before 10 ...