1970's ~ Top Heavyweight Upsets

[Bill Paxtom]

'Upset Special #33'

Saturday~ April 15, 1972

The Jersey Armory ~ Jersey City, New Jersey

"New Jersey State Heavyweight Championship'
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Randy Neumann ~ 19-1-0 {4 KO's} ~ Age; 25 years, 9 months ~ 6' 1 1/2" ~ 203 lbs.
vs.
Chuck Wepner ~ 22-9-2 {8 KO's} ~ Age; 33 years, 1 month ~ 6' 5" ~ 220 lbs.

"The Skinny"

Randy Neumann had 'handily' defeated Chuck only 5-Months earlier {December 9, 1971}
to capture the State Championship.

In the meantime, Randy also scored a 10-Round Decision over 'Little' Jimmy Young
only 6-Weeks earlier, on March 10, 1972 at Madison Square Garden.

On the other hand, Chuck Wepner was considered 'worn-out' and a pretty much
washed-up fighter, as he had gone {4-6-0} in his last 10-Bouts.

Though Randy Neumann was regarded as an 'all-box/no-punch' fighter, he was
a smart boxer/counter-puncher.

Randy was listed as a {3-1} Betting-Favorite, and was in line for a big fight at
Madison Square Garden for mid-1972.
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Randy Neumann >
"I want to end Chuck's career once and for all. He's been waiting for someone to end
it for him, and I am happy to oblige. Once I get him out of there, I'll save Boxing from
having to see him flounder in the Ring again."

Chuck Wepner >
"Randy beat me the 1st-time, I'll give him that. But the old saying is, never give an
'Old Dog' a 2nd-chance to bite. I will be biting Saturday Night, and will take my
New Jersey Championship back."
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"The Bout"

Randy had his way with Chuck over the first 4-Rounds. But though Wepner was getting
out-boxed, he was putting pressure on Randy with his typical brawling-and-aggressive style.

In Rounds 5, 6 and 7 > Chuck was able to smother Randy with mauling, clutching and
hitting. Randy was frustrated during these Rounds, as he could not take advantage of his
better boxing skills.

But Randy was able to muster up some solid punches in Round 8, as he shook Chuck up
with several 'left-right' 2-Punch combinations to the face.

Randy continued with good 'left-right' {one-two} punches to the face, as Chuck was taken
out of his brawling-style and forced outside in Rounds 9 and 10.

After 10-Rounds, Randy seemed to have the bout well in hand.

Over the last 2-Rounds, Chuck moved inside and mauled with clubbing punches. On the
other hand, Randy was content to jab and cover-up to prevent from getting caught or cut,
while protecting his {as what he thought} was a supposed points lead.

'The Scoring'

Referee - Mickey Greb was the sole scoring' Official.

He awarded the bout to Chuck Wepner by a {9-3-0} Scoring in Rounds.

'All Hell Broke Loose' in Randy Neumann's corner as they cried 'foul' and 'fix', claiming
that this was a 'Mob-controlled' official, and that they would file an appeal.

Randy Neumann did have a legitimate claim, as 11 of 12 Sportswriters had Randy
winning the 12-Round bout.