For most of the 1960’s and part of the early 1970’s Canadian George Chuvalo was a mainstay in the talent rich heavyweight ratings. RING Magazine founder Nat Fleischer called George one of the most durable fighters he had ever seen. In his long distinguished career the rock jawed Chuvalo was NEVER off his feet. Amazing seeing the competition he faced. For the sake of space let’s start looking at George’s career from 1965 on.
Chuvalo’s 1965 bout with ex-world champion Floyd Patterson was one of the year’s best action fights. George never stopped coming forward as he landed clubbing rights to Floyd’s head and terrific lefts to his body. Still Floyd showed a heart that everyone doubted he had. He absorbed Chuvalo’s fury and used his outstanding hand speed to win a popular decision over George. Although George lost, his courage impressed the crowd. Despite the losing effort Chuvalo was matched with World Boxing Association titleholder Ernie Terrell. When Ali met Sonny Liston in their rematch the W.B.A. stripped Ali and recognized the winner of a Terrell-Eddie Machen bout. Terrell captured a boring verdict and the vacant crown. Against Chuvalo, the 6’7 Terrell used a long jab and a grab and clutch style to outscore George over fifteen rounds.
The roller coaster career of Chuvalo continued into 1966. George traveled to London and was upset by Argentina’s Eduardo Corletti in ten rounds. The loss appeared to have pushed George out of the title picture. Instead he benefited by being in the right place at the right time. When a proposed Ali-Terrell fight fell through, Ali agreed to come to Toronto and defend against George. Although the bout was entertaining it was also one sided. Try as he might, George was unable to reach the fleet-footed Ali. For all his efforts, Chuvalo received numerous jabs, hooks, uppercuts and crosses from a prime Ali. Even in losing, George received the respect of the public for his gaminess. Later in the year Chuvalo met fellow brawler Oscar Bonevena of Argentina. What looked to be a great match up between the two sluggers turned out to be a dud.
George got back on track in 1967. Two kayo victories over Willi Besmanoff led to Chuvalo being matched with the streaking Joe Frazier. Smoking Joe had won the 1964 Olympic Gold Medal and was undefeated as a pro. George was to be his toughest match to date. Frazier was at his best in this battle as he ravaged George throughout with his famous left hook. To his credit George gamely refused to fall but the referee saved him in round four. Again just as it appeared that George’s tenure as a top contender was over Chuvalo got one more chance. Impressive upset kayos win over highly regarded Mexican Manuel Ramos put him back in the rankings. His success was short lived. In 1969 he met huge Buster Mathis. Buster’s only loss had been to Frazier and he needed to win to set up a rematch with Joe or a shot at the W.B.A. titleholder Jimmy Ellis. Mathis who was a fine boxer for a big man gave George boxing lesson over twelve rounds. George closed out 1969 in a “White Hope” battle versus popular but erratic Jerry Quarry. For six rounds the Irishman out boxed Chuvalo who was cut and bleeding. Jerry looked to be on his way to a comfortable point win or even a TKO. In round seven George went for broke and clubbed Jerry to the canvas. Quarry was listening to the referee’s count on one knee but at 10 he failed to rise. Jerry quickly jumped up and claimed he had lost track of the count but his protesting fell on deaf ears and Chuvalo’s kayo victory had him back in the top ten.
The win over Quarry landed George another bout with an Olympic hero. George Foreman had won the Gold Medal in 1968 and he was climbing quickly up the professional ladder. A win over Chuvalo would look nice on his record. The bigger, stronger Foreman was in control from the start. He pummeled Chuvalo at will and in the third round he sent Chuvalo reeling across the ring. Only the ropes prevented a knockdown. Still Chuvalo kept his feet but was defenseless against Foreman’s follow up barrage and the referee stepped in. In 1971 Chuvalo dropped a ten round duke to ex-champion Jimmy Ellis. George did manage a point’s win over still dangerous ex-contender Cleveland Williams. In 1972 Chuvalo got yet another opportunity as he again faced Muhammad Ali. Ali had lost to Frazier in 1971’s “Battle of the Century” and now he was taking on all comers while awaiting a rematch with Joe. Although George gave a respectable showing the great Ali again outclassed him.
From this point on George slowly faded from the picture. He hung around a few more years dominating the Canadian heavyweight scene but his days as a world-class contender were over. Still after absorbing the punches of Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Quarry, Patterson and Ellis he stood tall with his feet planted firmly on the ground. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Oh hell yeah! AMEN, he was one helluva fighter AND survivor!
As a devout boxing fan i watched many of george,s fights.I alway,s admired his courage and stamna in the ring.But after losing family members of my own i admire his courage even more after reading about George,s personal life and loss of his loved ones.In closing,if george,s courage in the ring matched his courage in his personal life he would have been unbeatible.
Chuvalo was one of those great fighters who was always in the shadows of the champions of the time…
George was one hell of a fighter and one hell of a nice guy. He was sopose to fight the great Sonny Liston but it never took place cause Sonny died. This was after Sonnys’ win over Chuck Wepner. A real tuff fighter George but, I really doubt he would have beaten the still dangerous Sonny Liston. By the way, interesting movie that ‘PHANTOM PUNCH’ one, where it cleary shows that Liston was soppose to take a dive again Patterson in the very first fight. I wouldn’t doubt it, they didn’t really want Sonny as the world champion. Teddy.
Just watched a CBC special in Ali based on interviews with his old opponents. George was clearly the most interesting and articulate of all the old boxers.
The show was more about him than Ali is some ways
What a wonderful man George Chuvalo is..I followed his carrer thru the Ring Magazine as a boy,and could never wait for his next fight to read about..I have just got the DVD of George called the last round which went behind the scenes of the first Ali..Chuvalo fight and gave a great insight on George himself..Now he has just been honoured with the highest award in Canada.for his fight against drugs.Losiing his two sons to drugs and then losing his wife would send a normal man to not want to go on..Not George..He now goes around Canada and speaks to all the young people at schools on the dangers of drug abuse…When I think about HEROES..I think about GEORGE CHUVALO…..Rosco.Perth
what a wonderful man
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