Disliked{quote} Edit: Great little article about "THE PEZ" even financed a ALI fight !!!!! https://golddiscovery.com/legacy/use...s-mining-storyIgnored
and a quick follow up
from my browser search
I did not remember Ali & Chavulo had two fights
Chuvalo was a Toronto native (just 17 days notice to prepare for their 1st fight - WOW)
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First Fight: March 29, 1966
- Venue: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Title: WBC, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight championships
- Result: Ali won by unanimous decision after 15 grueling rounds.
- Context: The fight occurred after Ali was banned from boxing in the U.S. due to his opposition to the Vietnam War and refusal to be drafted. He was scheduled to fight Ernie Terrell in Chicago, but the bout was moved to Canada. Chuvalo, a Toronto native, stepped in on just 17 days' notice.
- Notable Details:
- Chuvalo was never knocked down in his 93 professional fights.
- Ali later called Chuvalo the toughest fighter he ever faced.
- After the fight, Chuvalo famously said: "When it was all over, Ali was the guy who went to the hospital because he was pissing blood. Me? I went dancing with my wife. No question I got the best of that deal."
- The bout is remembered as a clash of ideology, courage, and resilience.
Rematch: May 1, 1972
- Venue: Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Title: NABF heavyweight championship
- Result: Ali won by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.
- Context: Ali predicted he would knock Chuvalo down, saying, "George Chuvalo is gonna fall." However, Chuvalo endured all 12 rounds, absorbing heavy punishment.
- Notable Details:
- Ali admitted Chuvalo hurt him with hard rights and a hook.
- Chuvalo claimed he was better than in 1966 and that Ali was not as sharp.
- The fight was praised for its intensity and mutual respect.
Legacy
- George Chuvalo is remembered as one of the toughest heavyweights in boxing history, never knocked down in his career. He fought legends like Ali, Frazier, Foreman, and Patterson.
- Muhammad Ali acknowledged Chuvalo’s courage and durability, calling him a true warrior.
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