The international boxing community is mourning the passing of heavyweight legend George Chuvalo of Canada. Chuvalo was a multi-time Canadian champion but came along in the greatest era of heavyweights ever. He fought professionally from 1956-1978 and was known for having the greatest chin of his generation, if not ever. Chuvalo lost to champions Muhammad Ali (twice), Joes Frazier, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson, Ernie Terrell and Jimmy Ellis. He defeated Yvon Durelle, Jerry Quarry and Cleveland Williams among others. After losing to Ali for the second time, Chuvalo ran off seven straight wins and retired as the reigning Canadian champion with a record of 73-18-2. Although he suffered TKO losses, Chuvalo was never knocked down in his 93 professional bouts.

 

​Born in Toronto in 1937 to Croatian parents, Chuvalo was just 18 when he captured the Canadian amateur heavyweight title while building a 16-0 record, winning all 16 bouts by way of knockout. Turning professional in 1956, he built a historic career that saw him crowned national heavyweight champion five times. ​Following his retirement from the ring, Chuvalo successfully transitioned into the entertainment and broadcasting industries.

 

Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of George Chuvalo.