I periodically scour the net to see if there are any updates on George’s health. This is the most recent I could find in 2023 - a segment done by W5. Yes, it’s a very hard watch but sadly it is George’s reality now and we can only hope that George is relatively at peace, in comfort and without any undue pain. He is surrounded and supported by very loving family and friends. I’ll provide two links, both with the same vid - the first has an article attached and the second one is the same vid segment shown on YouTube. The vid segment is TRULY worth the watch. You certainly don’t have to necessarily be the best or even great in order to be considered a legend of the sport - for mine, Chuvalo is among the legends. https://www.ctvnews.ca/w5/george-chuvalo-the-boxer-nobody-could-knock-down-1.6658159 YouTube https://youtu.be/t_QzXAp9xHs?si=IpA1eRdktZl9deyy
Could be old age more than boxing. Chuvalo is well into his 80s and at that age, even if you never touched a pair of boxing gloves, most people start to go down hill. Human beings typically live 70 years on the low end to 90 years on the high end. Chuvalo is close to that 90 year mark. I think he was born in 1937 which means he will turn 87 years old this year.
I can say that several people observed George to be fine and like his usual self up to at least the age of 80 (2017). So it seems that signs began appearing after that, perhaps around 2019, I’m not sure. But def., due to George’s advanced age, the picture is blurred as to the true/exact cause(s). For what it’s worth, his son Mitch believes that it is def. related to boxing and the many blows that George took to the head. In the vid you will see an IV with George in 1969 - the IV’er flatly states that George has taken many blows to the head - he then enquires if George has had any tests to check for damage - and asks George how he feels in general. George replies, saying that he feels fine and that he has had periodic tests (brain scans?) and nothing has been turned up. George also adds that IF there was/is anything awry, it is well hidden because the scans hadn’t pick anything up and he (George) wasn’t experiencing any symptoms otherwise.
My Pop is suffering a lot mentally and is only 66. Sometimes it’s just the human condition that gets you.
It’s possible boxing was responsible. Guys like Ray Robinson showed signs of brain damage late in their lives. However, I do think boxing related damage is more likely to show up much earlier, in their 50’s and 60’s. look at Toney and Holyfield. Given the damage Chuvalo took, I am somewhat doubtful that boxing had a major impact; otherwise it would have shown up much earlier. Anyway I hope he has people who look after him well/ preferably his family.
I believe it will always have an effect. If a man could’ve been in good health till 100 if he never boxed maybe he gets 99, 98? 85 depending on his career if he does box, just an easy example. The damage is always boxing but it doesn’t exclude a man from a long, healthy life you just have to pay the toll a little or a lot earlier.
The vast majority of people don't make it to 100. Schmeling lived to be 99 years old and died months before his 100th birthday. LaMotta lived to be 95 years old. They lived longer than most people in the general population. Perhaps they could have made it a little longer had they never boxed, but how much longer at those ages? A year? 2 years? 6 months? Chuvalo isn't as old, but he is still very old and approaching the end of life for most human beings.
Most people who make it to 80 start declining in a major way during their 80s. In fact, most people who make it to 80 will die in their 80s. The majority will. My grandfather, who was born only a couple of years before Chuvalo, seemed fine when he hit 80 years old. But shortly after, his health started declining. He lived until 85 years old and passed about a month after his 85th birthday.
Probably the most publically Admired fighter for just an allround loving & likable guy. God Bless you George Chuvalo, you truly are someone to emulate, THANK You!!!
It is sad how George is now but it is also great that he is still regarded so highly.Well done@Pugguy for posting this
Apart from the Other George, he'the last man standing from that era now. The list of names from the 60 s /70 s, that have passed away is crazy.