Legendary boxer George Chuvalo dies in Canada at age 89
Canadian heavyweight boxer George Chuvalo, a five-time national champion, has died at the age of 89. His death was announced by Toronto’s Sully’s Boxing Gym, where he trained. According to BBC News, Chuvalo died on Saturday, his birthday.
Fights and record
During his professional career, Chuvalo had 93 fights: he won 73, lost 18 and drew twice. At the same time, the boxer was never knocked down.
Chuvalo faced Muhammad Ali twice in the ring, in 1966 and 1972. He lost both fights, but Ali called the Canadian the toughest opponent he had ever fought. Chuvalo also fought George Foreman and Joe Frazier. He was known for his endurance and ability to withstand powerful punches.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Chuvalo a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend and a Canadian icon.
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After retiring
George Chuvalo was born in 1937 to a family of Croatian immigrants, grew up in Toronto and began boxing at a young age. After ending his professional career in 1978, he travelled across the country as a public speaker, advocating for drug-use prevention and greater mental health awareness.
Chuvalo said that he lost three sons and his wife to drug overdoses and suicide. After retiring from competition, he also appeared in the 1986 film The Fly and the 1998 film Dirty Work, worked as a guest commentator for major boxing bouts and co-hosted the television programme Greatest Knockouts with Charles “Spider” Jones.
Chuvalo is survived by his eldest son Mitch, daughter Vanessa, grandchildren and his second wife Joanna.
