Hard-hitting heavyweight Earnie Shavers was unlucky with timing, competing during a period when his division was littered with talent. Although, whilst Muhammad Ali is often credited as the standout fighter of that era, Shavers believed that another of his opponents was a better fighter.
Shavers debuted in 1969 and fought professionally for over 26 years, facing a total of five heavyweight world champions during that time and becoming recognised as one of the greatest to never get his hands on the fabled crown.
In 1977, he challenged Ali for the heavyweight throne at Madison Square Garden in New York, but failed to capitalise on the wounded legend early in the fight before going on to lose a unanimous decision, in what was one of Ali’s most impressive victories of the latter stages of his career.
Two years later, Shavers once again came up short when bidding for the title; one of many to be halted by Larry Holmes during the remarkable reign of ‘The Easton Assassin’.
In an interview with Boxing News before his death, Shavers admitted that he recognised Holmes as the best opponent of his lengthy career.
“I think Larry Holmes was the best fighter I ever fought. He was better than Ali. See, they both had great jabs, but Ali’s was a flicking jab; Holmes’ was a puncher’s jab! They were both truly great of course, but I give Larry the edge.”
Shavers hung up the gloves with a record of 76-14-1 after 91 professional contests and sadly passed away back in September 2022.
