Legendary Canadian boxer George Chuvalo dies aged 89

Legendary Canadian boxer George Chuvalo died at the age of 89 on Saturday, his birthday, according to Sully's Boxing Gym. Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "George Chuvalo was a heavyweight boxing legend, a household person and a Canadian icon," Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote connected societal media. "My thoughts are with each of George's household and loved ones arsenic we mourn his passing." After retiring from professional boxing in 1978, Chuvalo travelled the province as a national speaker advocating anti‑drug education and mental‑health awareness. He has said that he lost three sons and his wife to drug overdoses and suicide. In a 1998 CBC Radio interview, Chuvalo remarked, "I'd similar to deliberation if you're ever tempted with the thought of doing drugs, oregon you ever flirt with doing drugs, I anticipation you deliberation of me, George Chuvalo, and what drugs did to my family," helium erstwhile said, according to a CBC Radio study successful 1998. Beyond the ring, Chuvalo appeared in the 1998 comedy film Dirty Work and starred alongside Jeff Goldblum in the 1986 horror picture The Fly. He also served as a temporary commentator for major boxing bouts and co‑hosted the television series Greatest Knockouts with fellow fighter Charles "Spider" Jones. Chuvalo is survived by his eldest son Mitch, daughter Vanessa, grandchildren, and his second wife Joanne.