Tributes pour in for Canadian boxing icon George Chuvalo: ‘He truly was the best of us’ - Toronto Star

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Chuvalo 'a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend and a Canadian icon' in a post on social media Saturday night.

George Chuvalo is pictured outside Toronto’s Mattamy Centre in 2016 after being presented with an honorary ‘People’s Champion’ belt. The Canadian boxing icon died Saturday at 89.

Notable figures in Canada are remembering George Chuvalo, the Toronto-raised heavyweight boxing legend who died Saturday on his 89th birthday.

Referred to by Muhammad Ali as “the toughest guy I ever fought,” Chuvalo was a five-time Canadian heavyweight champion. In 93 professional bouts, he was never once knocked down. 

He went toe-to-toe twice with Ali and put forth impressive efforts against other giants of his era, including George Foreman and Joe Frazier. 

The son of Croatian immigrants and one of Canada’s most accomplished athletes, Chuvalo was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997. He was also named to the Order of Canada in 1998 and added to Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2005.

Here’s how he’s being remembered in his home country. 

Mayor Chow shared her condolences in a post to X, Sunday afternoon. 

“A Toronto icon who contributed immensely to the city and his local neighbourhood,” said Chow. 

The Ontario premier called Chuvalo “a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend and a Canadian icon” in a post on social media Saturday night.

George Chuvalo was a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend and a Canadian icon. My thoughts are with all of George’s family and loved ones as we mourn his passing.

Kovac, Mississauga’s deputy mayor, said Chuvalo was “my friend and mentor” as a fellow Croatian-Canadian who “left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing in Canada.”

Responding to Kovac, Mayor Carolyn Parrish said that Chuvalo was “extremely generous with his time, especially with young athletes.” 

Tonight, I mourn the loss of my friend and mentor, Canadian-Croatian boxing 🥊 legend, George Chuvalo. A 5x Canadian 🇨🇦 Heavyweight Champion, he left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing in Canada. His accomplishments will never be forgotten. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/F2CnvQpFXb

Black, a longtime sportscaster who inducted Chuvalo into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2005, said that Chuvalo had “one of the kindest hearts” of anyone he ever knew. 

“He somehow kept standing through losses that would have broken anyone.”

Micallef, host of “Sportsnet Central,” said “George Chuvalo might be the toughest man I have ever seen.” Micallef shared his admiration for Chuvalo’s resilience in and out of the ring as well as his anti-drug advocacy. 

Bennett, a friend of Chuvalo, shared his admiration for the late boxer as well as condolences to his family. 

“He wanted his pain to be a beacon of help for anyone who was struggling,” said Bennett.

“He truly was the best of us, a great Canadian that I am proud to call a friend.”

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Joshua Smith is a staff reporter with the Toronto Star. He can be reached at joshuasmith@thestar.ca.