30.03.06 – By James Slater: Following on from my article on the great Earnie Shavers, I have put into print here the interview I was fortunate enough to have had with the man himself only last evening, March the 29th. Earnie, along with another one time Ali opponent – Britain’s Richard Dunn, was present at The Irish Centre Leeds, in the north of England ,to help raise money for a local gymnasium. During this event I was lucky enough to grab Earnie for a five minute chat. I am pleased to be able to say that Earnie was in great shape, both mentally and physically and he was very receptive towards me. Although I was conducting the very first interview of my life and was initially nervous, Earnie’s relaxed manner and quick wit soon put me at my ease. It was a fascinating and wonderful experience talking in person with a man once voted “The puncher of the century.” Here’s how the interview went.
James Slater – It’s a great honour to talk to you Mr. Shavers. Let me first ask you, do you still follow the game today, particularly the heavyweights?
Earnie Shavers – To be honest with you, no, not really. I still train though, to keep trim (laughs)..
J.S -Yeah you still look good Earnie, do you do roadwork?
E.S – No, I walk instead (laughs) I hit the heavy bag mostly, and lift weights.
J.S – Can I ask you, what to your mind was your greatest ever win?
E.S – Ellis. Without a doubt. When I beat Jimmy Ellis. That was my big breakthrough. A lot of big opportunities arose after that win. The big money came.
J.S – If you’d got a fight with George Foreman back in the ’70’s what would have happened?
E.S – Oh, two or three rounds. We had a contract drawn up three or four times, but it never happened. George was real wild with his punches. He got tired too.
J.S – So you think you would have beaten him then?
E.S – Definitely.
J.S – You also stopped Jimmy Young, in three rounds. How was he able to last the full fifteen with Ali, yet you destroyed him?
E.S – Well, Ali was never a real big puncher, he was more of a smart boxer.
J.S – Speaking of Ali, many people think you did enough to have won your fight with him. Do you think you won?
E.S – No. It was a fair decision. He outsmarted me. It was close but he won.
J.S – I read recently that Archie Moore was once a trainer of yours?
E.S – Yeah. Archie. He taught me where to place my punches. He was very wise.
J.S – I know you also beat Ken Norton. In one round. That for me was your best ever win.
E.S – Yes, I beat Kenny. I used to intimidate opponents. I knew Norton was afraid of me when we did a press conference together.
J.S – Can I ask you what you think about Ricky Hatton?
E.S – He’s a very good friend of mine. He’s a great fighter.
J.S – Earnie, it has been an honour to talk with you and I really appreciate it. Thanks a lot champ.
E.S – Best wishes always. Peace.
Earnie then spent time talking with other fans, after which a big screen showed his fight with Muhammad Ali. I was also fortunate enough to have my picture taken with Shavers and he gladly signed me an autograph.It was a truly great night and it is refreshing to know that there are former great fighters that are both approachable and happy to spend time with their fans. I will be forever grateful to Earnie for allowing me to ask him the above questions.