Chuck Wepner Turns 86 – The Man Who Inspired “Rocky”
Today marks the 86th birthday of Chuck Wepner, the boxer whose fight against Muhammad Ali inspired Sylvester Stallone to write Rocky. Despite being a massive underdog (odds were over 40-to-1 against him), Wepner shocked the world by knocking Ali down in the ninth round. Turning to his manager, he joked, “Start the car, we’re millionaires!” to which his manager replied, “Better turn around—he’s up, and he looks pissed.”
Known for his durability, Wepner took brutal punishment, with over 300 stitches to his face throughout his career. After the knockdown, Ali went on a rampage, shutting Wepner’s eyes and leaving him drenched in blood. In the 15th round, when Wepner himself hit the canvas, the referee told him, “Chuck, I’m stopping the fight—you’re losing too much blood.” Wepner, ever the warrior, responded, “At least let me finish the round.” The ref tested him: “How many fingers am I holding up?” Wepner grinned, “How many guesses do I get?”
Post-boxing, Wepner struggled with alcohol and drugs, even serving time for possession. But he turned things around, opening a wine shop with his wife in the 2000s—a business they still run. And despite facing legends like Sonny Liston and George Foreman, Wepner once admitted the only person who ever truly scared him was his wife.
Today marks the 86th birthday of Chuck Wepner, the boxer whose fight against Muhammad Ali inspired Sylvester Stallone to write Rocky. Despite being a massive underdog (odds were over 40-to-1 against him), Wepner shocked the world by knocking Ali down in the ninth round. Turning to his manager, he joked, “Start the car, we’re millionaires!” to which his manager replied, “Better turn around—he’s up, and he looks pissed.”
Known for his durability, Wepner took brutal punishment, with over 300 stitches to his face throughout his career. After the knockdown, Ali went on a rampage, shutting Wepner’s eyes and leaving him drenched in blood. In the 15th round, when Wepner himself hit the canvas, the referee told him, “Chuck, I’m stopping the fight—you’re losing too much blood.” Wepner, ever the warrior, responded, “At least let me finish the round.” The ref tested him: “How many fingers am I holding up?” Wepner grinned, “How many guesses do I get?”
Post-boxing, Wepner struggled with alcohol and drugs, even serving time for possession. But he turned things around, opening a wine shop with his wife in the 2000s—a business they still run. And despite facing legends like Sonny Liston and George Foreman, Wepner once admitted the only person who ever truly scared him was his wife.
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Tyson Pedro Wins Boxing Debut by TKO, Grabs WBC International Title
Former UFC fighter Tyson Pedro made a statement in his pro boxing debut, stopping an undefeated opponent (15–0) and claiming the WBC International noscript in the bridgerweight division.
Training under Justin Flores, Pedro came out aggressive, dropped his opponent in Round 2, and finished him in the third, forcing the ref to step in.
After the fight, Pedro said he’s all-in on boxing and looking for bigger challenges. No word on his next opponent yet, but one thing’s clear—he’s here to make noise.
Former UFC fighter Tyson Pedro made a statement in his pro boxing debut, stopping an undefeated opponent (15–0) and claiming the WBC International noscript in the bridgerweight division.
Training under Justin Flores, Pedro came out aggressive, dropped his opponent in Round 2, and finished him in the third, forcing the ref to step in.
After the fight, Pedro said he’s all-in on boxing and looking for bigger challenges. No word on his next opponent yet, but one thing’s clear—he’s here to make noise.
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Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Set for UFC Fight Night Main Event on April 26
UFC has officially announced that Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree will headline UFC Fight Night 257 on April 26 in Kansas City.
A former light heavyweight champion, Hill is looking to bounce back after losing his belt due to injury. Meanwhile, Rountree is riding an impressive win streak, aiming to break into noscript contention. Both fighters bring knockout power, making this a must-watch showdown.
With the division heating up, this fight could have major noscript implications. Who takes it—Hill’s slick striking or Rountree’s relentless aggression?
UFC has officially announced that Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree will headline UFC Fight Night 257 on April 26 in Kansas City.
A former light heavyweight champion, Hill is looking to bounce back after losing his belt due to injury. Meanwhile, Rountree is riding an impressive win streak, aiming to break into noscript contention. Both fighters bring knockout power, making this a must-watch showdown.
With the division heating up, this fight could have major noscript implications. Who takes it—Hill’s slick striking or Rountree’s relentless aggression?
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Referee Jason Herzog Admits Error in Cejudo vs. Yadong Fight
In the recent bout between Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong, an accidental eye poke from Yadong in the third round rendered Cejudo unable to continue. Referee Jason Herzog halted the fight, leading to a technical decision victory for Yadong based on the judges’ scorecards up to that point. Reflecting on the incident, Herzog acknowledged that he should have deducted a point from Yadong for the foul.
Cejudo expressed his frustration on social media, sharing images of his injured eye and questioning the officiating decision.
In the recent bout between Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong, an accidental eye poke from Yadong in the third round rendered Cejudo unable to continue. Referee Jason Herzog halted the fight, leading to a technical decision victory for Yadong based on the judges’ scorecards up to that point. Reflecting on the incident, Herzog acknowledged that he should have deducted a point from Yadong for the foul.
Cejudo expressed his frustration on social media, sharing images of his injured eye and questioning the officiating decision.
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Mike Tyson is still looking after Arturo Gatti Jr.—the son of his late friend, Arturo Gatti. The kid is 16 now, and of course, he’s boxing too.
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Tom Aspinall Calls Out Jon Jones for Delaying Fight
Interim UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall accused Jon Jones of stalling negotiations in a new video.
“I’ve stayed quiet about Jon, but enough is enough,” said Aspinall. He claims Jones is avoiding the fight, creating delays, and looking for an easier opponent.
“The UFC and the fans want this fight. I’m ready. But Jon? He’s doing everything to dodge me,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, Aspinall made one thing clear: “He can’t avoid me forever.”
Interim UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall accused Jon Jones of stalling negotiations in a new video.
“I’ve stayed quiet about Jon, but enough is enough,” said Aspinall. He claims Jones is avoiding the fight, creating delays, and looking for an easier opponent.
“The UFC and the fans want this fight. I’m ready. But Jon? He’s doing everything to dodge me,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, Aspinall made one thing clear: “He can’t avoid me forever.”
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25 Years Ago: Félix Trinidad Defeats David Reid in a Thriller
On March 3, 2000, Félix Trinidad scored a UD12 victory (114-106, 114-107, 114-107) over David Reid, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist who entered the fight with a perfect 14-0 record.
The bout was intense and action-packed, featuring five knockdowns and emerging as a top contender for Fight of the Year 2000—a noscript that ultimately went to Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera I.
On March 3, 2000, Félix Trinidad scored a UD12 victory (114-106, 114-107, 114-107) over David Reid, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist who entered the fight with a perfect 14-0 record.
The bout was intense and action-packed, featuring five knockdowns and emerging as a top contender for Fight of the Year 2000—a noscript that ultimately went to Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera I.
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Gervonta Davis Targets Vasiliy Lomachenko for Unification Fight
Gervonta “Tank” Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, has reopened talks with Top Rank about a potential unification bout against IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Negotiations between the two sides stalled last year due to scheduling conflicts, but with both fighters currently without upcoming bouts, interest has resurfaced.
Davis, an undefeated knockout artist, remains one of the most dominant fighters in the division. Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and master technician, is looking to unify the belts and cement his legacy.
While no deal is finalized, discussions are ongoing. If the fight happens, it would be one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing this year.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, has reopened talks with Top Rank about a potential unification bout against IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Negotiations between the two sides stalled last year due to scheduling conflicts, but with both fighters currently without upcoming bouts, interest has resurfaced.
Davis, an undefeated knockout artist, remains one of the most dominant fighters in the division. Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and master technician, is looking to unify the belts and cement his legacy.
While no deal is finalized, discussions are ongoing. If the fight happens, it would be one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing this year.
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Eddie Hearn Reveals Five Potential Opponents for Anthony Joshua
Promoter Eddie Hearn is working on the next fight for Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, and has narrowed it down to five possible opponents.
“Our top priority is a rematch with Daniel Dubois,” Hearn said. However, other big-name fighters are also in the mix.
No final decision has been made yet, but Joshua is expected to return to the ring in the coming months for a high-stakes matchup.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is working on the next fight for Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, and has narrowed it down to five possible opponents.
“Our top priority is a rematch with Daniel Dubois,” Hearn said. However, other big-name fighters are also in the mix.
No final decision has been made yet, but Joshua is expected to return to the ring in the coming months for a high-stakes matchup.
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Amanda Serrano Signs Lifetime Deal with Jake Paul’s MVP
Amanda Serrano, a seven-division world champion, has signed a lifetime contract with Jake Paul’s promotion company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
Under this deal, Serrano will fight under the MVP banner for the rest of her career. Once she retires from boxing, she will take on a leadership role within the company, helping develop the next generation of fighters.
This marks a historic commitment between Serrano and Paul, further solidifying their partnership in shaping the future of women’s boxing.
Amanda Serrano, a seven-division world champion, has signed a lifetime contract with Jake Paul’s promotion company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
Under this deal, Serrano will fight under the MVP banner for the rest of her career. Once she retires from boxing, she will take on a leadership role within the company, helping develop the next generation of fighters.
This marks a historic commitment between Serrano and Paul, further solidifying their partnership in shaping the future of women’s boxing.
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49 Years Ago: Wilfred Benítez Set an Unbreakable Record
On March 6, 1976, Wilfred Benítez became the youngest world champion in boxing history at just 17 years old, winning the WBA light welterweight noscript.
His opponent, Antonio Cervantes, was 30 years old, had 10 successful noscript defenses, and was considered the best in his weight class by The Ring magazine.
A record that may never be broken.
On March 6, 1976, Wilfred Benítez became the youngest world champion in boxing history at just 17 years old, winning the WBA light welterweight noscript.
His opponent, Antonio Cervantes, was 30 years old, had 10 successful noscript defenses, and was considered the best in his weight class by The Ring magazine.
A record that may never be broken.
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Dana White Confirms Jon Jones’ Return Timeline
Dana White has confirmed that Jon Jones is expected to return this summer.
Jones last fought in November 2024, securing a first-round TKO over Stipe Miocic before suffering a chest injury that required surgery. His initial comeback was set for March 2025, but rehab delayed the timeline.
Now, Jones could face Tom Aspinall for the undisputed heavyweight noscript or take on the winner of a potential Miocic vs. Sergei Pavlovich fight.
“He’s feeling great. As soon as he’s ready, we’ll announce his next fight,” White added.
Dana White has confirmed that Jon Jones is expected to return this summer.
Jones last fought in November 2024, securing a first-round TKO over Stipe Miocic before suffering a chest injury that required surgery. His initial comeback was set for March 2025, but rehab delayed the timeline.
Now, Jones could face Tom Aspinall for the undisputed heavyweight noscript or take on the winner of a potential Miocic vs. Sergei Pavlovich fight.
“He’s feeling great. As soon as he’s ready, we’ll announce his next fight,” White added.
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40 Years Ago: Mike Tyson’s Explosive Pro Debut
Exactly 40 years ago, 18-year-old Mike Tyson stepped into the professional ring for the first time. It took him less than two minutes to destroy his opponent, Héctor Merced (who fought under the name Mercedes).
The birth of a legend.
Exactly 40 years ago, 18-year-old Mike Tyson stepped into the professional ring for the first time. It took him less than two minutes to destroy his opponent, Héctor Merced (who fought under the name Mercedes).
The birth of a legend.
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Canelo vs. Scull: The Battle for Undisputed!
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and William Scull will face off on May 3 in Riyadh – with all the belts on the line in the super middleweight division!
Canelo – a boxing legend, reigning WBC, WBA, and WBO champion, chasing undisputed glory.
Scull – the undefeated IBF champion from Cuba, looking to shock the world.
Experience vs. Ambition! Canelo aims to cement his legacy, while Scull fights for history. Who takes it? Find out on May 3!
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and William Scull will face off on May 3 in Riyadh – with all the belts on the line in the super middleweight division!
Canelo – a boxing legend, reigning WBC, WBA, and WBO champion, chasing undisputed glory.
Scull – the undefeated IBF champion from Cuba, looking to shock the world.
Experience vs. Ambition! Canelo aims to cement his legacy, while Scull fights for history. Who takes it? Find out on May 3!
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Henry Cejudo Gets Indefinitely Suspended Due to Eye Injury
Former UFC champ Henry Cejudo has been indefinitely suspended by the Washington State Department of Licensing after suffering a serious eye injury at UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle.
Cejudo took at least two eye pokes in his fight against Song Yadong, leading to soft tissue damage and a corneal scratch. The fight was stopped after Round 3, with Yadong winning by technical decision.
Cejudo can only return once fully cleared by an eye specialist. Tough break for the former champ!
Former UFC champ Henry Cejudo has been indefinitely suspended by the Washington State Department of Licensing after suffering a serious eye injury at UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle.
Cejudo took at least two eye pokes in his fight against Song Yadong, leading to soft tissue damage and a corneal scratch. The fight was stopped after Round 3, with Yadong winning by technical decision.
Cejudo can only return once fully cleared by an eye specialist. Tough break for the former champ!
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