George Chuvalo, whom Muhammad Ali called the 'toughest guy,' dies at 89

Former Canadian heavyweight boxer George Chuvalo has passed away at the age of 89. Chuvalo's death was announced by Sully's Boxing Gym in Toronto, where he trained throughout his career. The statement noted that the former boxer passed away on Saturday, his birthday.

Born in 1937 to a family of Croatian immigrants and raised in Toronto, Chuvalo began boxing at a young age. A five-time Canadian heavyweight champion, Chuvalo faced some of the most prominent names of his era during his professional career.

NEVER KNOCKED OUT IN HIS CAREER

Chuvalo fought 93 matches in his professional career, recording 73 wins, 18 losses, and 2 draws. One of the most remarkable statistics in the Canadian boxer's career was that he was never knocked down in any match.

Known for his durability and "iron chin," Chuvalo faced standout figures in heavyweight boxing history such as Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier. Chuvalo stepped into the ring with Muhammad Ali twice, in 1966 and 1972. Although he lost both matches, it is reported that Ali called him "the toughest guy I ever fought."

Retiring from professional boxing in 1978, Chuvalo worked in the fields of drug prevention and mental health awareness after leaving the ring. Having previously disclosed that he lost three sons and his wife to drug addiction and suicide, Chuvalo gave speeches specifically to warn young people about the dangers of drugs.

Chuvalo also pursued acting after his boxing career. Appearing in the 1986 film The Fly and the 1998 film Dirty Work, Chuvalo also appeared on screen as a guest commentator for boxing matches.

News Source: 12punto