Apparently Shavers tried fighting Mike Tyson in his 1995 comeback

Very delusional. Even in his absolute prime, he's not beating a 1995 Mike Tyson. As for Holyfield not being heard of in the 70s, even if Holyfield was 187-190 pounds, he still would have been a top fighter in the 70s. And even a 187 pound Holyfield stops the best Shavers or at least wins a convincing UD.

 

I wouldn't in all seriousness. Galento had an iron chin and a pretty hard punch.

 

Thank God that never happened. Although one punch and Earnie might have gotten enough money to live off of for the rest of his life. I think I heard somewhere ( though have no proof ). That Larry Holmes helped shavers out financially later in his life. That needs checking though

 

Of course, Mike Tyson was a child in the 70s…

 

Tyson in his 1st year as a professional would beat any version of Shavers.

 

Shavers later said something like, "Thank Goodness Tyson wasn’t in my era." I love the '70s and Shavers, but dismissing Iron Mike in any era is just stupid.

 

The whole Shavers comeback in '95 is sad. He gets knocked out in the 2nd round by a fighter who retired with a record of 13-86-3. There's even a recording of that fight, I think.

 

Cool story, Ernie.

 

Pretty obvious he was fishing for a big payday. **** I would have got in the ring with Tyson for the money on offer at times. Shavers knew he was no match for Tyson, & unless he’s punch drunk, he knows even in his meagre prime, Tyson would have flatlined him.

He was just looking for a fight for the money, & who could blame him.

 

Exactly, money for jam. They all want to fight Tyson and get a share of the big money he warranted every time he steps out. Those that can't earn the shot will scream even louder in the hopes of being gifted.

They all wanted SRL too as he was the big player in the early 80's. Not everyone can get a piece if the pie.

 

Sounds like Shavers took the world's biggest bong hit and then did that interview.

 

He channeling the **** Holmes use to say about Tyson, until he actually had to get into the ring with him?

 

Shavers always had a bone to pick with Tyson. He's said in multiple occasions on camera that "Tyson knows I hit harder, ask him". Probably felt threatened because a new kid on the block was praised for his punching power. In this case it's obvious he was looking for a payday, the guy wasn't stupid by any means and had underrated wit (he actually bested Don King in court on a technicality due to his name being spelled wrong, which he failed to correct on purpose).