Larry Holmes Reveals the Heavyweight Puncher No One Wanted to Face

Even champions have their fears, as Larry Holmes admits he dreaded facing the devastating power of Earnie Shavers.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:16am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the intense physicality of a heavyweight boxing match, with sharp geometric planes representing the powerful punches and movements of the fighters.The legendary heavyweight clash between Larry Holmes and Earnie Shavers, rendered in Picasso's cubist style to capture the raw power and intensity of their epic battles.Easton Today

Heavyweight champion Larry Holmes recently revealed that even he was afraid to face Earnie Shavers, a fighter known for his incredible punching power. Holmes claimed that other legendary heavyweights like Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali also actively avoided fighting Shavers due to his dangerous knockout ability.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the mindset of elite boxers and the respect they had for Earnie Shavers' raw power. It also raises questions about strategic matchmaking in the heavyweight division, as top fighters may have deliberately avoided facing Shavers despite his status as a mandatory challenger.

The details

Larry Holmes first fought Earnie Shavers in 1978, winning a close points decision. Shavers then went on a tear, including a devastating first-round knockout of Ken Norton that made him the mandatory challenger for Holmes' WBC title. Holmes admitted he was dreading the rematch, knowing Shavers' punching power, but as champion he couldn't avoid the fight. In their 1979 rematch, Holmes was knocked down in the seventh round before rallying to an 11th-round stoppage victory.

  • In 1978, Holmes defeated Shavers by points decision.
  • Shavers then knocked out Ken Norton in the first round, becoming the mandatory challenger for Holmes' WBC title.
  • In 1979, Holmes and Shavers fought again, with Holmes winning by 11th-round stoppage after being knocked down in the seventh round.

The players

Larry Holmes

A heavyweight champion who dominated the division in the late 1970s and early 1980s, successfully defending his titles 19 times before suffering a controversial loss to Michael Spinks in 1985.

Earnie Shavers

A heavyweight boxer known for his devastating punching power, who became a mandatory challenger for Holmes' title after knocking out Ken Norton.

Muhammad Ali

A legendary heavyweight champion who Holmes claimed actively avoided fighting Earnie Shavers due to his fearsome power.

Joe Frazier

A former heavyweight champion who Holmes said also avoided fighting Earnie Shavers.

George Foreman

Another former heavyweight champion who Holmes claimed did not want to face Earnie Shavers in the ring.

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What they’re saying

“I never wanted to fight Earnie, because Earnie had that power. He's always dangerous.”

— Larry Holmes, Heavyweight Champion

“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.”

— Larry Holmes, Heavyweight Champion

What’s next

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The takeaway

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