Canada

Canadian Boxer George Chuvalo Dies at 89

Is Chuvalo's legacy the iron-chinned fighter who never hit the canvas or the man who survived unthinkable loss?

6 hours ago·Updated 1 hour ago

Canadian Boxer George Chuvalo Dies at 89

Story

Above: George Chuvalo strikes a pose following a press conference in Toronto, Canada, on March 12, 2016. Image credit: Richard Lautens/Toronto Star/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

George Chuvalo's legacy lives in the ring, where an iron chin and real punching power built a 73-18-2 record and five Canadian titles. Going the full 15 with Muhammad Ali on 17 days' notice, then 12 more rounds six years later, earned respect no belt could confer. Ali even called him the toughest opponent he ever faced. George was as tough and sturdy as they come.

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Narrative B

Measuring George Chuvalo only by rounds survived misses an important part of the man. Losing a wife and three sons to suicide and drugs, then a granddaughter to cancer, would flatten most people, yet he stayed upright and spent years warning kids away from the same fate. That kindness and refusal to quit, alongside his remarkable career, is another reason why a nation is mourning.

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