Who do you think would win this battle of what I consider to be the two hardest punchers in the heavyweight division? I keep thinking Ruddock would have the dumb luck to tag Shavers with a Razor Smash for a KO win. If he didn't have that punch (The Smash) after the Tyson bouts his career would seriously be in the shitter.
[ I Ruddock wouldn't need dumb luck to ice Shavers. For all purposes, he was the better fighter of the two. I've always said that Earnie would have a puncher's chance against any fighter, but if I had to choose, I'd bet everything on Razor.
Shavers wins by KO. Ruddock with his 82" reach and more reliable chin had greater potential as a fighter - but he fell in love with his power instead and ignored other aspects. His smash is telegraphed and loopy - Shavers' right is straight and so it'll land first. Also, Shavers has a greater repertoire of punches is undoubtedly the superior puncher as his name alwasy comes up on list of punchers, much higher than Ruddock - if Ruddock shows up. Whereas Ruddock had a reliable chin against Tyson's effective punching, Shavers brough sheer raw power and I think this would concuss Ruddock much quicker. He wouldn't be able to get up from Shavers repeatedly like his did against Tyson. Clearly Shavers was good enough to catch Holmes - he could catch Ruddock. Shavers was not a very good fighter but Ruddock was an even worse fighter (strategically at least). Ruddock was a good puncher but Shavers was an even better puncher. Not putting money on Shavers as I don't trust him - but I pick him to win handily.
I'd tend to go with Ruddock in this one, he may not have had quite the raw concussive power in his punches Earnie does. What he does have, though is oodles more stamina, a sturdier chin, better punch resistance and superior movement and footwork. Razor dodges Shavers bombs and stops him early Ruddock TKO4 Shavers
Shavers fought better competition, and I'm thinking he gets to Razor before Razor gets to him.Earnie takes out Ruddock in the third round.
Contrary to what some have said, shavers actually had better stamina than ruddock, also he had much more power, and probably equal chin. Ruddock also had inferior boxing skill, IMO Ruddock tries to bomb Shavers out early, but gets caught himself and stays down for the count
Shavers hit harder but Ruddock had the better chin, which is often decisive in these type of fights. Ruddock by KO after a few shaky moments.
Could be like Quarry - Shavers if Ruddick boxes a little (which he can), or could be like Norton - Shavers if Ruddick gets trapped on the ropes. Shavers in 1 rd K.O. catching Ruddick with a right and follow up left hook.
