HEAVYWEIGHT GREAT TO SPEAK AT MARIST

Chuvalo to Talk About Drug Abuse

In his boxing career, George Chuvalo was famous for his courage and
determination.

Chuvalo compiled a 73-18-2 record in his career, and his opponents included
the likes of Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry and
George Foreman. His 1965 bout with Patterson was voted by boxing writers as
the top fight of the year, and he was never knocked down in his career.

But it is Chuvalo's courage and determination outside the ring, and his
personal dedication to the war against drugs that will be the subject of
tonight's lecture at Marist College. Chuvalo will speak at 7 p.m. at the
Nelly Goletti Theatre in the Student Center.

Chuvalo has lost three sons and his wife due to drugs and suicide. He has
spoken across the country about his personal experiences.

"I don't know if I'd ever have the courage to do what he does," said Marist
boxing instructor Ron Lipton.

A Newburgh resident, Lipton is a long-time friend of Chuvalo. Lipton is a
retired police officer who was a three-time New Jersey Golden Glove
Champion.

As a boxer, Lipton closely followed Chuvalo's career, and served as a
sparring partner for Ali and Frazier. In his law enforcement career, Lipton
spent five years on the Narcotic Strike Force in the Hudson County (N.J.)
Prosecutor's Office.

Coming from Toronto

Lipton said he asked Chuvalo to drive down to the Hudson Valley from his
home in Toronto as a personal favor. Chuvalo obliged, and Lipton believes
the Marist community will be captivated by Chuvalo's address.

"He's so articulate and so dynamic that he gets the attention of the kids,"
Lipton said. "There's nothing like someone who personally went through these
things."

Chuvalo describes the purpose of his message as "preventative medicine." The
age group he mostly targets is the 12-15 range, when he believes
"monumental" lifestyle choices are made.

"By the time they're in college, they would have already made (lifestyle
choices)," Chuvalo said. "That doesn't mean they're through. My presentation
can help solidify a kid's choice."