Imagine being a heavyweight champion, feared by almost everyone. But even legends have their fears. Larry Holmes, a titan of the ring, recently revealed the one fighter nobody wanted to face: Earnie Shavers. He didn't just say Shavers was tough; he implied that even the greats actively avoided him. But what made Earnie Shavers so terrifying?
Larry 'The Easton Assassin' Holmes dominated the heavyweight division, starting with his hard-fought victory over Ken Norton in 1978 to claim the WBC title. He then went on an incredible run, defending his title 19 times. Holmes also added the IBF strap to his collection, remaining undefeated until a controversial loss to Michael Spinks in 1985 – a defeat that many believe marked the beginning of the end for his reign. Before that setback, Holmes had conquered formidable opponents like Earnie Shavers, Gerry Cooney, and Tim Witherspoon, each a credible threat to his championship.
However, Shavers stood out. He wasn't just good; he was feared for his unparalleled punching power. Holmes believes this is precisely why many potential opponents gave him a wide berth. Earnie Shavers' reputation preceded him: a single punch could end the fight in an instant.
Holmes first encountered Shavers in 1978, securing a points victory that earned him the right to challenge for the WBC title. It was a hard-fought battle, and the victory was far from a decisive one. Shavers, previously defeated by Muhammad Ali, then embarked on a five-fight winning streak, including a devastating first-round knockout of Ken Norton. And this is the part most people miss... This victory wasn't just another win; it propelled Shavers into the mandatory challenger position for Holmes' WBC title.
By this point, Holmes openly admitted he wasn't thrilled about the prospect of a rematch. He knew the danger Shavers possessed. But, being the champion, he couldn't duck the mandatory fight. In 1979, they clashed again. Holmes was knocked down in the seventh round, but he rallied, ultimately securing an 11th-round stoppage victory. It was a testament to Holmes' skill and resilience, but it didn't erase the fear he felt going into the fight.
In an interview with Lehigh Valley Sports Scene, Holmes confessed his true feelings: "I never wanted to fight Earnie, because Earnie had that power. He’s always dangerous."
But here's where it gets controversial... Holmes didn't stop there. He went on to claim that other heavyweight legends, including Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali, also actively avoided Shavers. "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.”
During his career, Shavers himself repeatedly accused Frazier and Foreman of deliberately avoiding him. This adds another layer to the story, suggesting a pattern of top fighters hesitant to face Shavers' raw power.
So, what do you think? Was Earnie Shavers truly the most avoided man in heavyweight boxing? Did the other legends duck him, or was it simply strategic matchmaking? And if they did avoid him, can you blame them given his devastating punching power? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
