In the world of heavyweight boxing, few names evoke as much respect and caution as that of Earnie Shavers. Larry Holmes, a legendary champion in his own right, has openly declared Shavers as the fighter that ‘nobody wanted to face.’ This sentiment carries significant weight, especially considering Holmes' own impressive career.
Holmes, often referred to as ‘The Easton Assassin,’ captured the WBC title in 1978 after narrowly defeating Ken Norton in a split decision. This victory marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey where he successfully defended his championship an astounding 19 times. His reign didn’t just stop there; he also claimed the IBF title and maintained an undefeated record until 1985, when he faced a setback against Michael Spinks that altered the course of his career.
Throughout his time as champion, Holmes faced formidable opponents such as Earnie Shavers, Gerry Cooney, and Tim Witherspoon. Each of these fighters posed significant challenges, but it was Shavers who left a lasting impression on Holmes due to his notorious punching power. Many in the boxing community believed that Shavers was such a dangerous competitor that other fighters, including some of the greatest like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, actively avoided facing him in the ring.
Their initial confrontation took place in 1978, where Holmes emerged victorious by decision, securing his status as the WBC mandatory challenger. After this match, Shavers, having previously faced Ali, went on to string together five consecutive wins, solidifying his reputation and becoming a mandatory challenger himself. Despite the pressure to fight again, Holmes was hesitant to step into the ring with a knockout artist like Shavers. However, he eventually fulfilled his obligation and faced Shavers once more, overcoming a seventh-round knockdown to win by stoppage in the eleventh round.
In a candid interview with Lehigh Valley Sports Scene, Holmes reflected on his reluctance to engage in a bout with Shavers, stating, "I never wanted to fight Earnie, because Earnie had that power. He’s always dangerous. Ain’t nobody wanted to fight Earnie. Joe Frazier, George Foreman, [and] Muhammad Ali didn’t want to fight him. None of them wanted to fight Earnie. He always had that punch, so you always had to watch yourself with him. After he knocked out Ken Norton, I had no choice but to fight Earnie."
Shavers himself voiced accusations towards both Frazier and Foreman, claiming that they were avoiding a showdown with him during his prime, underscoring the fearsome reputation he carried within the boxing community.
So, what do you think? Was it wise for Holmes to eventually face Shavers, or was avoiding that fight a smarter strategy? Share your thoughts below!
