Ali called Chuvalo the toughest guy he ever fought

George Chuvalo, the Canadian heavyweight boxer who held his country’s heavyweight title five times and fought some of the most recognizable champions of the 20th century without ever being knocked to the canvas in 93 professional bouts, has died at the age of 89.

Sully’s Boxing, the Toronto gym where Chuvalo trained, said he died Saturday — his birthday. “His photos have hung on our walls for decades. His stories have been passed down from one generation of fighters to the next,” the gym said in a statement.

BBC News described Chuvalo as widely considered Canada’s greatest warrior, a reputation built on his iron chin and his relentless durability. Born in 1937 to Croatian immigrant parents and raised in Toronto, Chuvalo took up boxing at a young age and compiled a professional record of 73 victories, 18 losses, and two draws.

He fought Muhammad Ali twice — in 1966 and again in 1972, losing both bouts. Ali later described Chuvalo as the toughest guy he ever fought. Chuvalo also met George Foreman and Joe Frazier during his career.

After retiring from professional boxing in 1978, Chuvalo toured Canada as a public speaker focused on anti-drug education and mental health awareness. He has said he lost three sons and his wife to drug overdoses and suicide.

“I’d like to think if you’re ever tempted with the idea of doing drugs, or you ever flirt with doing drugs, I hope you think of me, George Chuvalo, and what drugs did to my family,” Chuvalo said, according to a 1998 CBC Radio report.

In retirement, Chuvalo appeared in two films — the 1986 horror movie The Fly, alongside Jeff Goldblum, and the 1998 comedy Dirty Work — and co-hosted the boxing program Greatest Knockouts with his friend and fellow fighter Charles “Spider” Jones. He also served as a guest commentator for major boxing matches.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Chuvalo “a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend and a Canadian icon” in a statement posted to social media. “My thoughts are with all of George’s family and loved ones as we mourn his passing,” Ford wrote.

Chuvalo is survived by his eldest son Mitch, his daughter Vanessa, his grandchildren, and his second wife, Joanne.