![]() ![]() A look at Chuvalo's face up close however debunks the myth that he was a face first fighter, the only noticeable scar being a small mark on his right eye from his fight against Joe Frazier in 1966. The likeable and articulate Chuvalo likes to joke that the marks on his face are a roadmap to his professional career. One look at the face however and he is still unmistakably the man who competed against the greatest era of heavyweights ever. The muscular neck, broad shoulders, thick arms and barrel chest remain while the washboard stomach and lean jaw line of a hungry heavyweight contender do not. To see George Chuvalo today, it's unbelievable that he is one year shy of turning 70 years of age. Three men forever linked in boxing history, reunited for one night by tragedy. Collectively, they fought each other 6 times for a total of 72 punishing and mostly brutal rounds. ![]() I looked at the three men together at that moment in an outpouring of affection. George returned to his seat and hugged both Ali and Frazier. When it was over, the crowd rose in unison and gave George a long standing ovation. ![]() When it was Chuvalo's turn to take the microphone, he gripped those in attendance with a compelling and emotional speech that had many audience members in tears. Frazier gave a short speech that night followed by an even shorter less audible one by Ali. George sat at the head table that night flanked by his two most famous opponents Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier who came to honour and support a fallen colleague. The event was intended to pay homage to the former heavyweight contender who had recently lost both his wife Lynne and son Georgie Lee. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1998 and was awarded a star on Canadian Walk of Fame in 2005.On August 18, 1994, the author attended 'A Tribute To George Chuvalo' sponsored by The Rochester Boxing Hall Of Fame. While a student at Humberside Collegiate, he became one of the best-known amateur boxers in Toronto, fighting out of the Earlscourt Athletic Club.Ĭhuvalo was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997. George was born in Ontario, September 12th, 1937 and grew up in The Junction district of west Toronto. Chuvalo finished his amateur career with a 16-0-0, all by KO within four rounds. He is often considered to have had the greatest chin in the history of boxing.Ĭhuvalo became Canadian amateur heavyweight champion in May 1955, defeating Winnipeg’s Peter Piper with a first-round KO. He was never knocked down in ninety-three professional fights, including bouts with Joe Frazier and George Forman, between 19. Chuvalo was the number one contender for the British Empire heavyweight title for many years but champion Henry Cooper did not fight him. His biggest victories were a seventh-round knockout of contender Jerry Quarry December 12, 1969, and an eleventh-round knockout of contender Doug Jones on October 2, 1964. It was the last major fight of Chuvalo’s career. Ali’s cornerman,Angelo Dundee, said, “He never stopped coming on … you’ve got to admire a man like that.” The second Ali fight was in 1972 and went twelve rounds, with Ali winning an easy decision. “He’s the toughest guy I ever fought”, said Ali of Chuvalo after the fight. The first fight, on Mawould have been for Ali’s world title but boxing politics caused it to be staged as “a heavyweight showdown” instead, although it was scheduled for and went the fifteen round championship distance. He went the distance both times, in each case losing the decision by a wide margin on the scorecards. George is best known for his two fights against Muhammad Ali. George (Louis) ” Boom Boom” Chuvalo was Canadian heavyweight champion as both an amateur and a professional, and twice fought for versions of the professional world’s heavyweight title.Ĭhuvalo turned professional in 1956, knocking out four opponents in one night to win a heavyweight tournament held by former world’s champion Jack Dempsey at Maple Leaf Gardens, April 26, 1956.
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