Boxing great Chuvalo speaks in Bolton
By ALAN LICZYK Staff Reporter

Canadian heavyweight boxing champion George Chuvalo, joined at the microphone by former Main Street Station owner Mike Fitzgerald, answers some questions posed to him by Megan Heughan, 12, and Morgan Esposito (far right), 12, both from Bolton, during his appearance at the restaurant Friday night.

Former Canadian heavyweight boxing champion George Chuvalo answered questions about boxing and how he's tried to help people stay away from drugs during his talk Friday night at Main Street Station restaurant in Bolton.

Chuvalo, 69, who was Canada's heavyweight champion from 1958 to 1979, fought some of the greats from the boxing world including two bouts with Muhammad Ali in 1966 and 1972. He also took on former heavyweight champions George Foreman, Joe Frazier and Floyd Patterson.

After his boxing career ended, he experienced personal family tragedies, losing two sons to drugs, another son to suicide and his wife to suicide. He has made many appearances speaking to students, parents and groups about drugs and how they affected his life.

Chuvalo was first asked about two of the boxers he fought - Ali and Frazier. He said they had two different styles. He considers Ali the best heavyweight of all time. He went 15 rounds with Ali in the 1966 world heavyweight title fight held in Toronto before losing the decision and he went 12 rounds with Ali in 1972 in Vancouver, again losing by the judges' decision. In his 1967 bout with Frazier in New York he said he won the first two rounds, but had an eye problem in the third round which resulted in the fight being stopped by technical knockout in the fourth round.

He was also asked if he's received any feedback from his lectures about the dangers of drug abuse.

He replied if he didn't receive any feedback he wouldn't continue.

"It would be like I wouldn't see the results," he said. "It would be a slap in the face to my family."

During his speeches, Chuvalo talks about the horrible things that happened to his family. He said when he talks he has to hit a home run.

He added he gets letters, phone calls and comments in the street about how he's helped people and their friends.

"Fortunately, I do receive that kind of feedback," he said.

Chuvalo explained if someone has a drug problem, that person must recognize it. He welcomed anyone to call him at his office and he will try to get that person some help.

"My agenda is preventive medicine," he said.

He noted once someone is addicted it's very tough. He couldn't help his three sons.

"It's up to the person to understand he needs help," he said.

Chuvalo concluded education is the single most important determinant on how someone will do in life.

"If you see a future with hope, you'll do good," he said.