Suppose Shavers got the decision in his 1977 fight with Ali. How do you think it would play out? Personally I think he’d prob rematch Ali immediately after for a huge payday (much like Spinks did), but imagine if instead he fought his #1 mandatory defense against Ken Norton (KOing him like he did in reality) in early 78. With one defense under his belt, he finally takes the big money fight with Ali in late 78. Overall how would this change the legacy of these fighters, particularly Shavers? Could Ali pull off the win at this point? Does Shavers become a top 10 heavy?
The title would have gone on the magical mystery tour. As for Shavers legacy, the truth woudl have eventually crystalized, that he got Ali at the right time.
It definitely would have improved shavers legacy. Probably doesn’t hurt Ali’s much. Losing to Earnie Shavers would have been less embarrassing than losing to a 7 fight Leon Spinks
This scenario would change the careers and legacy of Earnie Shavers (for the better) and Leon Spinks (for the worse) much more than Muhammad Ali. I don't think Earnie Shavers would make the TOP 10 ATG HW with this win (and title defense against Ken Norton). The question is how long Shavers' reign would last. And I personally think that the title would "walk", like the WBA title between the reigns of Ali and Tyson. I also don't think Ali would have beaten Shavers in late 1978 because he was clearly in decline.
Big Earnie Shavers might have either fought WBC Champ Ken Norton or even given unheralded Leon Spinks a title match on Feb 15 1978.
That fight was scored by rounds and Ali won 2 cards by 9-6 and the 3rd 9-5-1 . Been so long since I've watched the whole thing that I can't recall how I scored it. I seem to remember at the time when Ali won the 15th round I thought he needed it. Even if Shavers had dropped Ali in the 15th he'd have still lost. Hard to imagine any scenario where Earnie wins a decision over Ali unless it was the Spinks version of Muhammed. Earnie might have ko'ed that version
He possibly fights Norton earlier and blows him away like he actually did in 79. A rematch with Ali would probably be on the cards aswell which I think Shavers would lose. The only thing with Shavers winning the title it could've deprived us of the classic Norton/Holmes fight. Young vs Shavers a 3rd fight would also be an option aswell.
