rounds with world champion Mohammad Ali . Given the nickname , “ The Bayonne Bleeder ,” Wepner was not only the inspiration for the 1976 movie Rocky , but he is also the subject of a new Hollywood film , Chuck , starring Liev Schriber , currently playing in theaters around the country . Another early arrival is author Carol Higgins Clark , here to receive her award tonight from her mother , Mary Higgins Clark . Carol , who began her writing career re-typing her mother ’ s manuscripts , is the creator of the popular Regan Reilly mystery series . Says Carol about being a writer from the Garden State , “ My mom says it helps to be Irish to be a storyteller . I say it helps to be from New Jersey to be a storyteller !” Next up on the red carpet is 2012 New Jersey Hall of Fame recipient Eric LeGrand , a Rutgers football defensive tackle . This evening , LeGrand will present the 2016 “ Unsung Hero Award ” to Sue and Ed Goldstein . The