Yesterday the 78-year-old passed away
Ernie Shavers one of the most avoided heavyweights of the 1970s, the golden era of the heavyweight. The cause of death has not yet been reported.
Shavers boxed from 1969 to 1995. During this period, he won 74 victories (68 early), suffered 14 defeats and drew 1 fight.
The recognized puncher boxed twice for championship titles, but lost twice. In 1977 on Madison Square Garden (New York) he tried to take away the WBC, WBA and The Ring magazine the legendary Muhammad Ali lost on points in a 15-round fight.
In 1979 on Caesars Palace arena (Las Vegas) Shavers made a second attempt to become world champion, but lost by TKO in the 11th round to WBC belt holder Larry Holmes (whom he had previously lost on points in the eliminator in 1978).
Shavers’ most iconic victories came with 1st round knockouts over former world champions Ken Norton (Las Vegas, 1979) and Jimmy Ellis (New York, 1973).
One of the greatest punchers of this era, George Foreman, spoke of Shavers’ punching power: “I never fought him … And thank God …”
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