Legendary Canadian boxer George Chuvalo dies aged 89

What the report says

Canadian boxing great George Chuvalo has died at the age of 89, according to BBC World News. The Toronto-born heavyweight was a five-time national champion and built a reputation for extraordinary toughness over a 93-fight professional career, in which he was never knocked down. He fought some of the sport’s biggest names, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and George Foreman.

BBC World News reported that Chuvalo faced Ali twice, in 1966 and 1972, and lost both bouts, but Ali later described him as the toughest opponent he had ever met. Chuvalo trained in Toronto and came from Croatian immigrant parents. The gym where he learned to box paid tribute to him, calling his influence lasting and saying his stories and images had been passed through generations of fighters.

After retiring in 1978, Chuvalo became a public speaker, promoting anti-drug education and mental health awareness. The BBC also noted that he had spoken publicly about the deaths of three sons and his wife from overdose and suicide, and used that experience in his advocacy. In retirement he also appeared in films and worked in boxing commentary and television. Ontario Premier Doug Ford described him as a Canadian icon. Chuvalo is survived by family members including his eldest son, daughter, grandchildren and second wife.