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 on 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 cometo Toronto and defends 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. Oscar “finessed”
George to win a ten round decision.
George got back on track in 1967. Two kayo victories over Willi Besmanoff led
to Chuvalo being matched with the streaking Joe Frazier. “Smokin”
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 Chuvalo got one
more chance as he again faced Muhammad Ali. Ali had lost to Frazier in over
he rose from the ashes. An impressive upset kayo wins 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 a pugilistic
lesson over twelve rounds. George closed out 1969 in a “White Hope”
battle versus popular but erratic Jerry Quarry. For six rounds the Irishman
outboxed Chuvalo who was cut and bleeding. Jerry looked to be on his way to
a comfortable point winning 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 points win over still
dangerous ex-contender Cleveland Williams. In 1972 Chuvalo got one more chance
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.
By Jim Amato
Discuss in Boxing Forum | Send to a friend.|Bookmark us | Click to make Saddo Boxing.com your homepage