Larry Holmes, one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history, admits there was one man he never wanted to fight: Earnie Shavers.
Holmes, known as "The Easton Assassin," revealed this surprising fact in a recent interview with Sky Sports Boxing. The former champion, who held the World Heavyweight Championship for seven years from 1978 to 1985, explained his reluctance to face Shavers.
"I didn't wanna fight Earnie. They had a box-off when they stripped the titles. Earnie, Ken Norton and Jimmy Young, somebody else had to box-off and then we had to meet, and I didn't wanna fight Earnie, I was hoping he'd lose because he was the hardest puncher that I ever fought and I knew that because I was his sparring partner."
Holmes' career was nothing short of impressive. He won his first 48 fights and ended up with only 6 losses in 75 total bouts. His record includes statement victories against Muhammad Ali, Trevor Berbick, and Leon Spinks. Holmes' jab is often regarded as one of the best in boxing history.
Despite his impressive record, Holmes couldn't shake off his wariness of Shavers, nicknamed "The Black Destroyer" for his thunderous punching power. The two fighters faced each other twice in their careers. In March 1978, Holmes won a 12-round decision. They met again in September 1979, with Holmes winning by knockout in the 11th round after getting up from the canvas.
Holmes' admission sheds light on the respect and sometimes fear that exists between fighters, even at the highest level of the sport. It also underscores the reputation of Shavers as one of the hardest punchers in heavyweight history.
The interview, available on Sky Sports Boxing's YouTube channel, offers fans a candid look into the mind of a boxing legend and the dynamics of the sport during one of its most exciting eras.
