Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

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Muhammad Ali vs. George Chuvalo

Photos by contributor Pancheta Barnett - Posted January 2018

At 109 Ossington Avenue on the east side between Queen Street West and Dundas Street West is this 2016 Heritage Toronto plaque which has this to say:

Coordinates: 43.646502 -79.419591

Click here for a larger map

In March 1966, Muhammad Ali trained here to fight Toronto-born George Chuvalo for the World Boxing Council heavyweight championship at Maple Leaf Gardens.

The fight came at a pivotal time in Ali's career. He was effectively banned from competing because of his controversial support for the political and religious group Nation of Islam and his opposition to the Vietnam War. Ali said: "I will not disgrace my religion, my people, or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality."

Ali was scheduled to fight World Boxing Association champion Ernie Terrell in the U.S., but Terrell withdrew. The event moved to Canada where, only three weeks before the March 29 fight, Canadian champion George Chuvalo became Ali's opponent.

Ali trained at the boxing promoter Earl "Sully" Sullivan's Toronto Athletic Club, which was located above a garage here. Fans paid between $1 and $5 to watch Ali spar and he used the proceeds to support the neighbourhood children. Chuvalo trained nearby at Lansdowne Athletic Club.

The fight lasted the full 15 rounds, with Ali using his signature speed and Chuvalo responding with his strength. Ali won on a unanimous decision.

Related Toronto plaques
Ali vs Chuvalo
Maple Leaf Gardens

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