Chuvalo hits the big time
Broadcast Date: April 30, 1965
It's the biggest moment in George Chuvalo's career as he signs on for a bout against Floyd Patterson in New York's Madison Square Garden. This could be a turning point in his career. Chuvalo knows that if he can put in a strong performance against the former two-time World Heavyweight champion a title bout will likely follow. In this CBC Television clip, Telescope tags along with Chuvalo as he travels from Toronto to New York for the fight.Chuvalo hits the big time
• Chuvalo lost this fight on a unanimous decision after going the distance (12 rounds) with Patterson. The bout was voted 1965 Fight of the Year by Ring magazine, considered the bible of professional boxing.• Chuvalo had won nine of his previous 11 fights prior to his encounter with Patterson. He had an overall record of 29-8-2, compared to Patterson's record of 41-4 going into the fight.
• "Patterson v. Chuvalo had all the necessary ingredients to be special: 1. Contrasting styles, with Chuvalo the aggressive puncher and Patterson the speedy boxer not afraid to mix it up inside; 2. Both fighters determined, having much to win for: Chuvalo wanting to establish himself as a contender for Ali's crown and Patterson wanting to re-establish himself as a legitimate contender; and 3. Great public interest in the bout, as the sell out crowd at Madison Square Garden attests." — boxing historian Mike Dunn.
• In an interview prior to the Patterson fight, Chuvalo told Scott Young that he thought Patterson was "pretty slow on his legs" and called him "a standing target."
• Chuvalo's bout with Patterson was his third at Madison Square Garden. Chuvalo fought at the Garden — the site of some of boxing's most historic fights — eight times during his career, including bouts against George Foreman, Smokin' Joe Frazier and Doug Jones.
• Considered one the best heavyweights in history, Floyd Patterson was born Jan. 4, 1935 and turned pro in 1952. He won the World Heavyweight Title for the first time on Nov. 30, 1956 by knocking out Archie Moore in Chicago. He held the title for close to three years before losing it to Ingemar Johansson in Yankee Stadium. Patterson regained the title a year later but lost it to Sonny Liston in 1962. Patterson had a career record of 55 wins (40 by KO), eight losses and one draw.
Chuvalo hits the big time
Medium: Television
Program: Telescope
Broadcast Date: April 30, 1965
Guest(s): George Chuvalo, Irv Ungerman
Narrator: Fletcher Markle
Duration: 22:23
Last updated:
Sept. 9, 2011
Television
6:16
A young George Chuvalo talks about his dreams of becoming the champ.
Television
3:39
Chuvalo gets a shot at World Champion Ernie Terrell.
Chuvalo hits the big time.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Sept. 9, 2011.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]