Canadian boxing great George Chuvalo dead at 89

George Chuvalo, a legendary Canadian heavyweight boxer known for his incredible resilience and unyielding spirit, passed away at the age of 89. Born in 1937, Chuvalo began his boxing journey as a Canadian amateur champion at the tender age of 17. Throughout his professional career, which spanned from 1956 to 1978, he claimed the national title as a pro for nearly two decades and held the prestigious No. 2 ranking in the world.

Chuvalo's most memorable bouts were his two highly publicized encounters with Muhammad Ali. In 1966, they faced off at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, and six years later, they met again in Vancouver at the Pacific Coliseum. Chuvalo's reputation as an exceptional puncher and his remarkable ability to withstand punishment earned him the nickname "The Last Gladiator." Despite being ranked amongst the world's greatest heavyweights, Chuvalo never suffered a knockout loss during his professional career.

In his autobiography, Chuvalo reflected on his legacy, stating that he was primarily remembered for his ability to absorb punches and his unbeaten record. He attributed his dominance to his legendary iron chin, which set him apart from boxing icons like Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey, and even his contemporaries.

Tragically, Chuvalo's post-fight payday from his first Ali fight was a mere $12,500, with his manager Irving Ungerman receiving the majority of the purse. Despite this, Chuvalo's impact on Canadian boxing and the sport as a whole remains undeniable. Legendary Canadian boxer Lennox Lewis described Chuvalo as an "icon," praising his ability to give as good as he received and his indomitable spirit both inside and outside the ring.