I think Tate was an accident waiting to happen -- when he had things going smoothly and his way, he looked great. But he got knocked silly by Teofilo Stevenson in the amateurs and Weaver got through also, exposing him and sending his career into a tailspin. If we're talking the best version of Shavers -- say the one who fought Ali or anywhere in the 1974-77 range, I think he shakes Big John's confidence and takes him out.
I think Tate ought to win this, barringa hail mary by Shavers, which could happen. Still, I'd go for Big John here.
Tate by 11-4, 10-5 decision, I think Earnie might connect but Big John would weather the storm and outbox Shavers.