The man Muhammad Ali called the hardest puncher he ever faced

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Earnie Shavers wasn't just a heavyweight contender; he was a force of nature. With a staggering 76.9% knockout rate, he possessed a level of raw power that left even legends like Muhammad Ali shaken, prompting the champion to joke that Shavers' punches could shake his kinfolk back in Africa.

Known as the 'Black Destroyer,' Shavers was a specialist in devastating power. During his professional career between 1969 and 1995, he secured 70 knockout wins, including 23 that occurred in the very first round. His ability to inflict damage was legendary; he could land devastating blows with a left hook, right cross, or right uppercut, often catching opponents off guard with his short, powerful stance.

This power was put to the ultimate test on September 29, 1977, at Madison Square Garden. Facing Muhammad Ali, Shavers managed to hurt the champion in the second round with an overhand right. Although Ali ultimately won by a 15-round unanimous decision, the physical toll was immense. Ali subsequently noted that Shavers possessed more power than any opponent he encountered, ranking him alongside greats such as George Foreman and Joe Frazier.

The physical risks of such power were highlighted by Shavers' own career struggles. He suffered from retinal issues, including a detached retina, a condition that boxers of that era feared as much as an AIDS diagnosis due to the lack of refined surgical techniques. Despite these setbacks, Shavers' legacy as one of the most formidable punchers in heavyweight history remains cemented in the annals of boxing.

Beyond the ring, Shavers' life took unexpected turns. After retiring from professional boxing, he became an ordained Christian minister, preaching in Phoenix and England. He also served as a patron for the Shannon Bradshaw Trust in Warrington, Cheshire, supporting children with life-threatening conditions.

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