Earnie Shavers, who had earned the nickname “Black Destroyer” because of his devastating punch was one of the best heavyweights of the 1970s.
Former American boxer Earnie Shavers, one of the best heavyweights of the 1970s, who disputed two world championships against Muhammad Ali and then Larry Holmes, died Thursday, the day after his 78th birthday, the specialized magazine announced on Friday. The Ring.
Born on August 31, 1944 in Garland (Alabama), Shavers, who had earned the nickname “Black Destroyer” because of his devastating punch –68 of his 74 victories in 89 fights were obtained by KO, including 23 from the 1st recovery–, had turned professional in 1969.
Two opportunities to become world champion
Over the next decade, he crossed paths with some of the great heavyweights of the time, and was offered two opportunities to become world champion: the first for the WBC/WBA title on September 29, 1977 against Muhammad Ali, before whom he had only lost on points after having made the champion falter on a powerful direct right in the 1st round; the second on September 28, 1979 against Larry Holmes, winner by stoppage of the referee in the 11th round after going all the same to the mat on a hook from the right of the challenger.