Legendary Canadian boxer George Chuvalo dies on 89th birthday

Published Sep 12, 2026  •  Last updated 23 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

George Chuvalo is pictured during his 80th birthday celebration in Toronto, Sept. 12, 2017. Photo by Ernest Doroszuk / Files /Toronto Sun

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Legendary Canadian boxer George Chuvalo, famous for never being knocked down in the ring, but battled dementia and was bedridden in his later years, died Saturday on his 89th birthday.

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His passing was announced by a family friend on social media.

“It’s with deep sadness that I share the passing of George Chuvalo today Saturday September 12, 2026 on his 89th Birthday,” Tom Doyle shared on Facebook.

Chuvalo’s son Mitch confirmed his father’s passing in a comment on the post.

“George had no greater friend than you,” he wrote. “Will never forget that.”

Doyle said funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

Born to Croatian parents

Chuvalo, born Jure Cuvalo to Croatian parents in Toronto, earned 16 knockouts in 16 matches by the time he was 18 years old. He began his professional boxing career in April 1956.

He is best known for his battles against legendary heavyweights Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier.

Chuvalo was also a five-time Canadian heavyweight title champion.

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George Chuvalo boxes against Muhammad Ali. Supplied photo

Never knocked down as a pro

During his 93-match professional career, he was never knocked down.

Former boxer Charles “Spider” Jones fondly remembered his friend for helping him launch his journalism career by co-hosting the boxing program Greatest Knockouts.

“Canada’s greatest warrior George Chuvalo has sadly passed away early this morning,” Jones wrote in a tribute on Facebook.

“RIP my friend you opened so many doors for me during my early broadcasting career. I will always carry a special place in my heart and cherish you. RIP Champ you will be sadly missed.”

Chuvalo retired in 1978 after amassing a record of 73 wins, 18 losses, and two draws.

In his later years, Chuvalo suffered from advanced dementia after taking many blows to the head during his boxing career. He was unable to speak while living at a Toronto nursing home.

Sons struggled with addictions

Chuvalo had five children with wife Lynne, but the family was not without any struggles.

Sons Jesse, Steven, and George Lee were heroin addicts after the drug was introduced to the household by Jesse following a motorcycle crash in the early 1980s. That led to run-ins with the law as the trio robbed local pharmacies for prescription medications.

Tragedy struck the family in February 1985 when Jesse committed suicide.

In November 1993, shortly after being released from prison, George Lee died of a heroin overdose.

Four days after her second son died, Chuvalo’s grief-stricken wife took her own life.

Less than three years later, Steven was also found dead of a heroin overdose in August 1996.

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