Bayonne Bleeder Sues -- Simply Does His Trial Pack A Punch?

Findlaw reports that erstwhile heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner is suing thespian Sylvester Stallone for a portion of the profits from the "Rocky" movies, claiming the serial was based on Wepner's career. Wepner, a New Bailiwick of Jersey lodge fighter, acquired the nickname "The Bayonne Bleeder" for what his opponents did to him fifty-fifty when he won. Wepner, who went near xv rounds inwards a 1975 loss to Muhammad Ali, has filed a claim earlier a Bailiwick of Jersey City Superior Court that Stallone repeatedly credited that teach by equally the inspiration for the 1976 Oscar-winning film, from which 4 sequels followed. "Stallone has been using Chuck's cite - too continues to this twenty-four hours - inwards promoting the `Rocky' franchise without whatever permission or compensation", said Wepner's lawyer Anthony Mango. Michelle Vega, Stallone's publicist, declined to comment. The case claims Stallone made several promises to Wepner that he would last financially compensated over the years, though no payments were made.

wonders what the legal footing for this claim mightiness be. Stallone too the film’s makers are non alleged to convey infringed whatever merchandise orbit or copyright and, inwards the absence of whatever contractual duty to compensate Wepner, a mere hope to practice too then is non enforceable. Nor is it clear that whatever correct of publicity has been infringed since, fifty-fifty if he was inspired past times Wepner, Rocky is real much his ain fictional character.

Rocky movies and merchandise
Bleeding boxers here and here
Other boxers here, here and here