Heavyweight KO artist Earnie Shavers says Muhammad Ali isn’t the best he’s faced

Heavyweight Earnie Shavers was unlucky with timing, competing during a period when his division was flush with talent. Even if, while Muhammad Ali is often considered the standout fighter of that era, Shavers thought another of his opponents was a better fighter.

Shavers debuted in 1969 and fought professionally for over 26 years, facing a total of five world heavyweight champions during that time and being recognized as one of the greatest to never get their hands on the legendary crown.

In 1977, he challenged Ali for the heavyweight throne at New York’s Madison Square Garden, but failed to capitalize on the injured legend early in the fight before. will lose a unanimous decisionin what was one of Ali’s most impressive victories in the latter stages of his career.

Two years later, Shavers failed once again in an attempt to win the title; one of many arrested by Larry Holmes during the remarkable reign of “The Easton Assassin.”

In a interview with Boxing News Before his death, Shavers admitted to recognizing Holmes as the best opponent of his long career.

“I think Larry Holmes was the best fighter I ever fought. He was better than Ali. You see, they both had great punches, but Ali’s was a punch; Holmes’ was a punch! They were both really great of course, but I give the edge to Larry.”

Razors hung up his gloves with a record of 76-14-1 after 91 professional competitions and unfortunately passed away in September 2022.