Heavyweight boxing star Earnie Shavers dies, aged 78

Heavyweight boxing star Earnie Shavers dies, aged 78

By Zodelle Bhan
Sunday 04/09/2022
[Photo: Local News Today]

The former world heavyweight title challenger Earnie Shavers, has died aged at the age of 78.

He was widely regarded as the greatest single-punch hitter in one of the blue riband division's most celebrated eras.

The chunky, shaven-headed fighter, who in 1977 pushed an ageing Muhammad Ali to the brink of defeat, in a punishing clash for the undisputed title, also came within one punch of winning the World Boxing Council crown when flattening Larry Holmes with a monstrous right hand in the seventh round of their Las Vegas showdown two years later.

Holmes staged one of the sport's most remarkable recoveries by clambering to his feet and managing to survive until the end of the session, before winning in round 11.

Years later Holmes revealed that his corner-men broke ammonia capsules under his nose to return him to his senses.

Shavers would never fight for a world title again and his reputation was such that those noted punchers Joe Frazier and George Foreman were relieved to avoid him.

[Source: NZ Herald]

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Drugs, substance abuse and peer pressure is the biggest challenge for students today - Rishikul head girl
Drugs and substance abuse, fueled by peer pressure, is the toughest challenge students face today, says 17-year-old Rishikul Sanatan College head girl...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Successful surgery transforms life of 6-year-old Navosa boy
Six-year-old Sairusi Goneqase has been given a new lease of life after a successful heart surgery at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children's Heart ...
2 hours ago

Businessman charged for $500,000 fraud
A 42-year-old businessman of Nasinu has been charged with one count of conversion. It is alleged that between December 2019 and December 2021, the ...
2 hours ago

About 650 devotees, mostly youths gather at Muanivatu Ram Mandir for Maha Shivratri
Around 650 devotees, including many youths, gathered at Muanivatu Ram Mandir yesterday to observe Maha Shivratri with prayers, fasting and spiritual ...
2 hours ago

M-PAiSA handles $55M in monthly remittances - Prasad
Digital transactions in Fiji are surging, with M-PAiSA handling $55 million in monthly remittances, totalling $680 million annually. While ...
3 hours ago

No reduction in allowances for servicemen under Aftercare Fund – Prof. Prasad
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad has clarified that contrary to claims on social media, the Coalition ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
4 hours ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
1 day ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
1 day ago

TOP