I'd argue that in all seriousness a declined Ali is still skill-wise a better fighter than Wilder. Shavers was very good at finding a home for his overhand right when he wasn't mindlessly swinging for the fences, and I think he wouldn't find Wilder difficult to catch or time while both fighters are still fresh.
Shavers had much higher skillset in many areas. Sure, Wilder could KO him, but I bet Shavers lands first.
Going to have to go with Shavers here. His power is more proven. But he was definitely chinny himself and if Wilder clipped him it would definitely be good night.
Yeah man. If Breazeale is tagging you hard early in a shoot out that's not a good sign. Molina also clipped Wilder hard early too. Earnie Shavers these guys are not. Shavers KO1.
Shavers problem is he just doesn't have the skills to land the big one and is far from invulnerable himself.
Ernie Shavers fought the far better fighters, Ernie knew what it was like to lose and come back, we have to wait to see if Wilder can do that. I've seen Ernie climb off the canvas and win. The Shavers that stormed from his corner and executed Ken Norton could take this version of Wilder , but it's all hypothetical guesswork.