Sad to report that former heavyweight contender Earnie Shavers has passed away at the age of 78. Considered one of the hardest punching heavyweights who ever lived, Shavers compiled a record of 74-14-1 with 68 knockouts and twice fought for the heavyweight title.
On September 29, 1977, Shavers challenged heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and gave “The Greatest” all he could handle before losing a close fifteen round unanimous decision.
On September 28, 1979, Shavers nearly knocked out heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. Shavers connected with a crushing right hand that put Holmes down and in real trouble. Holmes somehow survived the round, eventually recovered and ultimately stopped Shavers four rounds later (KO11).