Toronto, Canada (May 26, 2024) - Losing only to boxing icons like Muhammed Ali, George Chuvalo may just be one of the most fierce powers in boxing history. Over a seventeen-year career, starting in 1956, the three-time Canadian heavyweight champion is today regarded as the most enduring and tenacious boxer to hit the world stage.

Going forward, we're bringing forth the tale of George Chuvalo and his rise to legendary status.

Start of a Legendary Career

Muhammed Ali - “He is the toughest guy I ever fought.”

Born to Herzegovinian parents, Chuvalo started amateur boxing in 1955, and in no time became the Canadian Amateur heavyweight champion the same year. Seeing his boxing prospects become promising, Boom Boom opted for professional boxing in 1956, immediately winning the heavyweight tournament in April 1956.

Over an exhilarating career, Chuvalo battled Muhammed Ali twice, becoming one of few boxers to ever do so. Ali, speaking about it years later, gave credit to the five-time Canadian heavyweight champion. "He's the toughest guy I ever fought", Ali responded after getting asked what he thought of Chuvalo's skill.

Knockout Heroics

Chuvalo isn't called “durable” for nothing.  Aside from his numerous career knockouts, the boxing legend was never knocked down in his 93-bout professional career. Some would say he had an “iron chin”. However, his knockout exploits were more impressive.

On April 26, 1956, Chuvalo knocked out three opponents in a single night to win a heavyweight tournament, put on by the former world champion, Jack Dempsey. This feat reportedly earned him the nickname “Boom Boom”. Nine years and plenty more knockouts later, Chuvalo rose to the third spot in world heavyweight rankings in 1965.

‍Fun Fact: Chuvalo was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame and was also named to Canada's Walk of Fame.

Overview; George Chuvalo's Boxing Record

George Chuvalo - “I think you reach your full potential by fighting often enough against varied types of opponents.”

Knockout wins, losses and draws all came into play in Chuvalo's iconic career. The Canadian-born heavyweight won over 78 percent of his professional fights, winning 73 of 93 professional fights. Chuvalo had a knockout punch, as hinted earlier, with which he stopped 63 opponents in his professional career.

Alas, Boom Boom also recorded 18 losses, which were mostly against some of that era's greatest heavyweights. His losses featured two professional fights against the legendary Mohammad Ali. Here's a rundown of some of the toughest losses Chuvalo suffered;

• Joe Frazier
• Floyd Patterson
• George Foreman
• Muhammed Ali (X2)

‍Fun Fact: George Chuvalo is one of the few boxers to have fought Muhammed Ali twice. Ali won both fights by unanimous decision.

Chuvalo After Boxing

Weighing the glory of his outstanding career, it is entirely normal to wonder about Chuvalo's life after boxing. More so because many great boxers have taken entirely different paths after their boxing careers end. So Where is George Chuvalo now?

After his impressive career, Chuvalo lived a modest and quiet life. He took to tending his major hobbies that include travel, giving speeches and casino gaming, which is pretty normal for former boxers. As a matter of fact, an expert opinion on JackpotCity casino, a top gaming destination, hinted that lots of high rollers in casinos are active and former professional boxers.

In 2019, local residents in Toronto's Community Junction petitioned to have their new community centre named after Chuvalo. Subsequently, the George Chuvalo Community Centre was born. In addition, George Chuvalo's net worth is still estimated at $2 million dollars, despite going through a rough midlife phase.

Alas, Boom Boom currently lives with dementia in a Toronto nursing home, where he has been for a while.

Conclusion

Till today, George Chuvalo is one of Canada's most celebrated boxers. Having fought the best in the world during an exceptionally strong era, and winning the Canadian Heavyweight championship over five times, Chuvalo is considered by many as the most legendary boxer to come from Canada.

By never getting dropped in his 17 year pro career, his reputation as one of the most durable boxers in the history of the fighting game endures to this day.