Legendary Canadian boxer George Chuvalo dies aged 89

“George Chuvalo was a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend and a Canadian icon,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote on social media.

“My thoughts are with all of George’s family and loved ones as we mourn his passing.”

After retiring from professional boxing in 1978, Chuvalo travelled the country as a public speaker advocating for anti-drug education and mental health awareness.

Chuvalo lost three sons and his wife to drug overdoses and suicide, he has said.

“I’d like to think if you’re ever tempted with the idea of doing drugs, or you ever flirt with doing drugs, I hope you think of me, George Chuvalo, and what drugs did to my family,” he once said, according to a CBC Radio report in 1998.

In retirement, Chuvalo also dipped his toes in acting, appearing in the 1998 comedy film Dirty Work and alongside Jeff Goldblum in the 1986 horror film The Fly.

He also served as a guest commentator for major boxing matches and co-hosted a TV boxing program called Greatest Knockouts with his friend and fellow fighter Charles “Spider” Jones.

Chuvalo is survived by his eldest son Mitch, daughter Vanessa, grandchildren, and second wife Joanne.

He died on Saturday, his birthday, said Sully’s Boxing Gym.