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On August 18, 1994, the author attended 'A Tribute To George Chuvalo' sponsored by The Rochester Boxing Hall Of Fame. The event was intended to pay homage to the former heavyweight contender who had recently lost both his wife Lynne and son Georgie Lee. George sat at the head table that night flanked by his two most famous opponents Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier who came to honour and support a fallen colleague. Frazier gave a short speech that night followed by an even shorter less audible one by Ali. When it was Chuvalo's turn to take the microphone, he gripped those in attendance with a compelling and emotional speech that had many audience members in tears. When it was over, the crowd rose in unison and gave George a long standing ovation. George returned to his seat and hugged both Ali and Frazier. I looked at the three men together at that moment in an outpouring of affection. Collectively, they fought each other 6 times for a total of 72 punishing and mostly brutal rounds. Three men forever linked in boxing history, reunited for one night by tragedy.
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