Legendary boxing analyst Teddy Atlas has named Earnie Shavers as the hardest-hitting heavyweight in boxing history. Atlas placed Shavers above Mike Tyson and George Foreman in his list of the greatest power punchers.
Atlas, known for his deep knowledge of the sport, ranked Shavers at number four on his list of top power punchers. The former trainer emphasized Shavers' devastating right hand as the key to his power.
"Number four. Power not in both hands, but man in that right hand… Earnie Shavers," Atlas said. "76 wins, 14 losses, one draw, 70 knockouts. Man, he hits you. He hit you with that right hand. That shows you you what heart [Muhammad] Ali had, shows you what heart Larry Holmes had."
Shavers' career spanned from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. He challenged for the heavyweight title twice, losing to Muhammad Ali in 1977 and Larry Holmes in 1979. Despite never winning a world title, many consider Shavers one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history.
Tyson and Foreman, who ranked below Shavers on Atlas's list, have their own impressive credentials. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in 1986 when he dethroned Trevor Berbick for the WBC title. Atlas ranked Tyson seventh on his power punchers list.
Foreman, ranked fifth by Atlas, made history in 1994 by becoming the oldest heavyweight champion. He knocked out Michael Moorer in Las Vegas to claim the title at 45 years old.
Tyson and Foreman combined for 112 knockouts in their careers. Shavers, with his 70 knockouts, stands out even among these legendary power punchers.
Atlas's ranking puts Shavers' power into perspective. The analyst's assessment suggests that Shavers' right hand was a weapon that even surpassed the renowned power of Tyson and Foreman. Shavers' ability to strike fear into opponents with his punching power has cemented his place in boxing lore, even without a world title to his name.
