Cutman Chuck Bodak Update

By Michele Chong, August 27, 2008 – Veteran cutman Chuck Bodak has just been moved to a new private care residence in Mission Viejo, CA. Bodak (who turned 92 in June) had suffered a stroke in August 2007 and was previously at a private care home in Laguna Hills.

Earlier this year, he had also won a battle with both a staph infection and pneumonia. Surprising no one with his toughness, Bodak keeps bouncing back. Please continue to send prayers and well wishes.

If you’d like to visit him at his new location:
Vasil “Chuck” Bodak
B & B Country Manor IV
26711 Valpariso    
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone (949) 951-1746    
VISITING HOURS: Between 3:00-5:00 PM  

One of boxing’s premier cutmen, Bodak worked with over 60 champions, including Muhammad Ali, Tommy Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander Holyfield and Oscar De La Hoya. He continued to work in the ring and was still very active in the boxing community
right up until the time of his stroke.

A big hit at boxing shows, Bodak had even traveled to Calgary, Canada twice with Coach Steve Harpst and his Burbank Boxing Club in 2007. Bodak enjoyed the opportunity to work with young amateur fighters again (like he had at the beginning of his career) and the kids loved hanging out with the legend and learning from his years of experience.

The colorful cutman is famous for his unique headbands, his salty jokes, his handmade
jewelry, caps and collages, and infamously for his trademark one finger “salute” he gave
you–if you were lucky!

He has spent decades giving tirelessly to the boxing community and his family is
appreciative of everyone who has called, written, or visited the popular cutman.

Bodak is in a wheelchair now and his voice sometimes falters, but he is a fighter whose
spirit refuses to quit.

We’re all in your corner, Chuck!

For any questions contact: Michele Chong at [email protected]  Photo by Michele Chong

December 2006: Bodak visits the Burbank Boxing Club

Photo courtesy of The Burbank Boxing Club