By Jody Kohn
While he never captured the heavyweight title himself, Earnie Shavers remains one of the more iconic boxers in the history of the heavyweight division. Much of that is due to many considering him to be the hardest puncher in the history of the sport. That statement is backed up by such legendary contemporaries as Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes who were both in the ring with him to feel his power first hand.
Deontay Wilder, much like Shavers has gained quite the reputation for having immense power in his hands. Knocking out 32 consecutive opponents will do that for you. In fact, Bermane Stiverne was the first opponent to ever see a final bell against Wilder in the pro ranks. So it seemed like a natural to get the opinion of Shavers about the importance of Wilder as a heavyweight champion to get much of America interested in the sport once again.
And of course we had to ask him how he would have done against Wilder.
