Home Boxing News Earnie Shavers: Power Goes a Long Way

Earnie Shavers: Power Goes a Long Way

He is known as the Acorn. He is known as the hardest puncher in heavyweight history. He is Earnie Shavers. A fascinating figure in boxing, Earnie holds a unique position in boxing; he is a legend who never won a world title.

Earnie is known for one thing, freakish punching power. The Acorn visited Ringnews 24 Boxing radio recently and took us back in time, when boxing was king in the United States.

Shavers explained he was a ferocious puncher from the start, working on a farm is what he attributes his power to, however, Shavers shared it was not until he blew away former champion Jimmy Ellis that the boxing public knew just how special he was.

Shavers holds a unique position in boxing history as he had the pleasure of fighting Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes back to back.

Shavers lost both contests, but his punching power stood out and he was winning public approval.

Shavers told Ringnews 24 Boxing Radio that his greatest achievement, and display of punching power, was when he blew away former champion Ken Norton in one round in 1979.

The victory paved the way for a rematch with Larry Holmes, this time for the World Heavyweight Championship of the world.

The fight with Holmes is one of the greatest in heavyweight history. In round seven Shavers’ punching power came to fruition when he landed what is known as ‘the missile right hand’ on Larry Holmes. Holmes literally crumbled to the canvas and looked all but out. “I was champion for five seconds” said Shavers.

Shavers of course is referring to the fact that Holmes miraculously got up, collected himself and went on to stop Shavers and cement his legacy for all time.

Shavers admitted on the radio show that he wishes he would have worked on other aspects of his game, but he, and the rest of boxing, was so in love with his power, he did not take the steps needed to be a complete fighter.

While Shavers fell short in his biggest tests in the boxing ring, he is relishing life after boxing and his legacy. “I make more money now than I did when I was fighting” Shavers told Ringnews 24 Boxing radio.

It tells us one thing, and something I always like to point out, the ability to hit hard will take you a long way in the sweet science.   

To hear the full Rico Hoye interview, click play on the radio player below.
 
     

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