George Chuvalo is our Canadian boxing legend who stood as our country's national champion for 25 years. He ranked as high as Number Two in the world, Chuvalo stayed in the top 10 for most of his career and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated many times. Chuvalo was never knocked out or knocked down in ninety-three professional fights.
On September 15, 1958, just after his 21st birthday, Chuvalo reached his dream of winning the Canadian Heavyweight title after knocking out James Parker just two minutes into the first round.
But nothing stopped Chuvalo, and he had bigger dreams of becoming the Heavyweight champion of the world.Chuvalo fought the first of his two famous title bouts with Muhammad Ali, on March 29, 1966, again at home at Maple Leaf Gardens.
Chuvalo jabbed four vicious blows to Ali's jaw and a wicked right to the head, but was unable to put Ali down for the count. Although Chuvalo lost the fight on decision, Ali later said, "George was the toughest man I ever fought." And Chuvalo said, "Guess who went to the hospital and guess who went out dancing with his wife!"
Chuvalo also had a chance to face off again with Ali in 1972 in Vancouver, and also take on the rest of the best of his era including Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry, George Foreman, Manuel Ramos, Alex Miteff and Willie Besmanoff.
At the time of George Chuvalo's retirement as undisputed Heavyweight Champion of Canada in 1979, Chuvalo's professional record was an impressive 73 wins (64 by knockout), 18 losses and two draws.
George didnt stop there, he remained in the public eye in numerous films, television shows and commercials, including a turn as the barroom bully on the wrong side of a famous arm-wrestling match with Jeff Goldblum in David Cronenberg's The Fly.
Currently Chuvalo has taken on a fight in a new ring - as an inspirational anti-drug advocate and public speaker, since 1995. After tragically losing three sons to drug abuse and his first wife to suicide after the death of their second son.
Chuvalo was never knocked down and still fighting, but the fight is now drugs. Join in on the fight against drugs.
If you wish to discuss addiction issues or need advice please visit.Fight Against Drugs, Web Site at George Chuvalo's page
For immediate help or support contact your local emergency service. Dont be afraid to get help.
