Muhammad Ali withstands spirited effort from George Chuvalo.

13,918 fans watched a gruelling 15-round tussle, the longest Ali had been taken, inside Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens on March 29 1966. Chuvalo, a man of frightening durability, was thoroughly outboxed but handed the Kentuckian his toughest fight to date – despite taking the fight at very short notice – hacking at Ali’s body and hurting him on several occasions.

“He went to hospital because he was pissing blood after our fight,” the Canadian would say years after his loss. “I took my wife dancing.”

“He’s the toughest guy I ever fought,” Ali said after the contest.

Despite his injuries, it was a sublime performance and showed the world, whether they liked it or not, that Muhammad Ali was the real deal.

On March 29, 1966, Madison Square Garden played host to one of the most memorable heavyweight bouts in boxing history. The world watched as Muhammad Ali, the reigning heavyweight champion, squared off against George Chuvalo in a fight that would showcase not only Ali’s remarkable skills but also Chuvalo’s indomitable spirit and unyielding toughness.

Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, was at the height of his powers. Having recently reclaimed the heavyweight title from Sonny Liston and establishing himself as a dynamic force in the ring, Ali was seen as nearly unbeatable. His agility, lightning-fast combinations, and brash charisma had redefined the heavyweight division. But George Chuvalo, a rugged Canadian contender with a reputation for taking a punch and never backing down, was determined to make his mark.

From the outset, the fight demonstrated a fascinating clash of styles and personalities. Ali, renowned for his speed and fluid movement, sought to use his agility to outmaneuver Chuvalo, who was known for his relentless pressure and granite chin. Chuvalo, undeterred by the flashy maneuvers of his opponent, pressed forward with a ceaseless attack, absorbing punches with a resilience that earned him widespread respect.

Throughout the bout, Ali displayed his signature style dancing around the ring, flicking out jabs, and landing sharp, precise combinations. He utilized his footwork to evade Chuvalo’s powerful hooks and uppercuts, delivering stinging blows that would have knocked out most fighters. However, Chuvalo’s sheer determination and endurance turned the fight into a grueling test of willpower.

Chuvalo’s strategy involved cutting off the ring and forcing Ali into close quarters where his superior conditioning and stamina could make a difference. While Ali’s speed and technique were evident, Chuvalo’s ability to absorb and shrug off punishment kept him in the fight, giving the crowd a thrilling display of perseverance.

The fight went the full 15 rounds, with both fighters showing remarkable fortitude. Ali’s superior technique and agility allowed him to control the pace of the bout, but Chuvalo’s relentless aggression and unbreakable will made every round a challenge. By the end, it was clear that Ali had outboxed Chuvalo, but the Canadian’s spirited effort and resilience had left an indelible mark on the boxing world.

When the final bell rang, the judges awarded Ali a unanimous decision victory. The fight was hailed as a testament to Ali’s greatness and Chuvalo’s incredible toughness. Ali had passed a significant test, showcasing not only his extraordinary skills but also his ability to endure a relentless challenge. Chuvalo, despite the loss, earned admiration for his unwavering spirit and his ability to withstand one of the greatest boxers of all time.

In the years that followed, the fight between Muhammad Ali and George Chuvalo remained a highlight in the storied careers of both fighters. For Ali, it was a reminder of the toughness required to remain on top of the heavyweight division. For Chuvalo, it was a demonstration of his legendary resilience and his place in the pantheon of great heavyweight contenders.

The bout between Ali and Chuvalo is remembered not just for the technical brilliance of the champion but also for the sheer heart and courage displayed by both fighters. It stands as a classic example of the drama and excitement that makes boxing such a compelling sport.