Chuvalo Still Fights Against Drugs

Last week, while I was at Wasaga Beach I met up with former Canadian Heavywieght champ George Chuvalo. We were in Boston Pizza when I noticed George coming in with a couple of friends of mine at the beach. George Chuvalo still looks amazingly good and looks like he could still go a few rounds. George has stepped into the ring with some of the world's best boxers in the 60's and 70's. He fought an amazing 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali in Maple Leaf Gardens. Ali threw everything he had at him but couldn't knock Chuvalo out. He also fought George Foreman and " Smokin " Joe Frasier.
Today Chuvalo is currently fighting the most important fight of his life, the fight against drugs.

The Toronto native is recognized as of Canada's greatest fighters and is in the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. That's when boxing was a major sport. Today it has lost a lot of the lustre as the Ultimate Fighting seems to have taken over in popularity in the pugilist sports.

Amazaingly, Chuvalo had fought in more than 90 fights and was never knocked off his feet.

Today, Chuvalo is an inspirational speaker to schools across the country speaking to kids about the dangers of drugs. Chuvalo knows what he speaks of. He tragically lost his wife and three sons as a result of drugs abuse. He lost his first son when he became addicted to heroin after a motorcycle accident, he later committed suicide in 1985. His second son committed suicide in 1993 from an overdose and then his wife committed suicide shortly after. In 1996, his other son Steven died of an overdose.

His message is clear to kids. You start doing drugs when you are in your 50's and 60's. It is in your teen years that the temptation starts. When you are young it is time to make some of the most important decisions in your life.

He was very personable to meet. I was wearing my Active Choice Sharks t-shirt. That is the ladies hockey team that I coach. He was in Wasaga Beach as a special guest at the Rumble at the Recplex, an amateur boxing showcase.

If you have young teenagers, do not hesitate to read up on George Chuvalo. His message is clear "don't get in drugs." I respect Chuvalo, not just for is boxing matches but more importantly is tenacity in keeping our youth off drugs.