Heavyweight boxing star Earnie Shavers dies, aged 78

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]