Anyone have a theory why these two never fought? Apparently Shavers was calling George out in 1997 to promote a senior heavyweight battle that Foreman wanted none of. I think it would have been a fight on par with George's war with Ron Lyle, especially if they fought in the 1970's.
This is far from certain. It would very much come down to who landed first and on the right night for him that would be Shavers. Sure, Shavers right was kind of predictable. but Foreman was there to be hit. Foreman is perhaps the favourite, but not by much.
In 1997, Foreman would have beaten Shavers, without question. In 1977, however, the scenario is more compelling. Shavers had almost accomplished what Foreman couldnt in his bout with Ali (remember the second round?), and had yet to fight Holmes twice. He was at his peak. Foreman, while being a physical specimen still, was not mentally the fighter he was 1974 and prior. I think, though, when it comes to brawling, Foreman has the upper hand. Lyle put him on the canvas, but Foreman knocked him out. Shavers fought Quarry, and was bombed out in one round. I say the fight is 60/40 for Foreman during his prime.
I remember some chit chatting about the gossip of Foreman-Shavers match too, but wasn't surprised that it never materialized. Shavers had done nothing to warrant even a novelty fight in the mid 90's. At least Foreman vs Holmes would have been something, but Earnie had no marketability left.
Ernesto Shavers was all done in a physical sense by age 40 in 1984......... That was the end of the road for Shavers... By 1983 / '84, Shavers was losing his "Hand-Picked" fights for cryin' out loud........ Foreman had a much better career and guidance..... That is why Foreman had such longevity to carry on..... Foreman knew when to turn on the gas and then lay off the peddle..... In 1977, "Shavers-Foreman" would've been wicked if both guys trained properly....... In 1997, Foreman kills Shavers to death...... Foreman still had some gas in the tank in 1997; Shavers did not.......... MR.BILL
1977: If Foreman used his jab, he could keep Shavers off him.....then crack Shavers on his chin. But if he let's Shavers get inside, then it's A-bomb vs H-bomb.......somebody is going to get vaporized.
All George. Whenever Earnie stepped up his competition before 77, he lost or didn't look all that terrific. The ko over Ellis was about it. I sure don't remeber all that many people on the Henry Cllark bandwagon and most thought Earnie should've got rid of the guy when they fought the first time. But the first Clark fight was what you got when Shavers fought a live body and not the C grade heavies.
Young had what 4 fights when he fought a Shavers that had what, 45? It wasn't exactly a prime Young facing a 4 fight novice in Shavers, was it? That's the kinds of opponents on that early Shavers dossier. Nobody knew anything of Young at the time and it wasn't as if the guy was a can't miss prospect. He was a guy that was matched tough early and just developed & was known as a Philly sparring partner. And then they had a rematch and Earnie sure didn't get that A+ result in that one. And a 73 Ellis had done very little after that devastating Frazier defeat.
