Ontario Premier Doug Ford described George Chuvalo as a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend, and a Canadian icon in a social media post.
“My thoughts are with all of George’s family and loved ones as we mourn his passing,” Ford added.
After retiring from professional boxing in 1978, Chuvalo became a national speaker on anti‑drug education and mental‑health awareness.
He disclosed that he lost three sons and his wife to drug overdoses and suicide.
In a 1998 CBC Radio interview, Chuvalo warned young people about the dangers of drug use: “If you’re ever tempted with the idea of doing drugs… I hope you think of me and what drugs did to my family.”
Chuvalo also pursued acting, appearing in the 1998 comedy Dirty Work and alongside Jeff Goldblum in the 1986 horror film The Fly.
He later worked as a guest 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.
He passed away on Saturday, which happened to be his birthday, according to Sully’s Boxing Gym.
