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Former heavyweight title challenger and one of the hardest punchers ever in boxing, Earnie Shavers recently passed away at age 78. The cause of the death has not yet been revealed. Incidentally, Shaver’s gained fame in the 1970s, although he fought from 1969 to 1995.

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Notably, his best moments came when he fought Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes for the heavyweight title. Unsurprisingly, he lost to Ali by decision at Madison Square Garden. It was a close decision, with Ali pulling through in a valiant final round. However, he praised Shavers for his punching power after the fight. The news was announced this morning as streaming service DAZN paid tribute to him.

Shavers was one of the most beloved personalities in the boxing community, and fans took to social media to mourn the tragic loss of the legend.

Fans shocked by the tragic death of Shavers

One fan praised shavers, calling him one best heavyweight ever. He also stated that Shavers will never be forgotten.

Another fan gave his condolences on the passing away of the legend.

Moreover, one fan claimed that this was very sad news and called him a gentleman.

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Furthermore, one fan stated that although he lost to Ali and Holmes, he was still one of the best. He even posted a video of his 10-round battle with Roy Williams and claimed this was the power punching fight before Wilder vs Fury.

Lastly, one fan even recalled the memory of him chatting with Shavers when he worked as a doorman at a wine lodge.

Shavers was one of the best heavyweights never to win a championship. However, he was adored and appreciated by his fellow boxers and fans and will forever be remembered for his contribution to the sport.

A look into Shavers’ boxing career

Ali was not the only heavyweight legend who fought Shavers. He even fought former heavyweight champ, Larry Holmes, twice. The first fight came just after his loss to Ali and was a non-title bout. Holmes won the match via decision. However, he would then face off Ken Norton and win the vacant WBC title.

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Shavers and Holmes would then fight for the WBC title in 1979. In the seventh round, Shavers knocked Holmes down, but Holmes got up and knocked Shavers out in the 11th round. Like Ali, Holmes also praised Shavers for his punching power. Shavers made several comebacks, however, he ended his career after a knockout loss at the age of 48.

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What do you think was the most iconic moment in Shavers’ career? Let us know in the comments.

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