Larry Holmes defended his WBC world heavyweight title against Earnie Shavers<br /><br />Date: September 28, 1979<br /><br />Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas<br /><br />Holmes stance: orthodox<br /><br />Shavers stance: orthodox<br /><br />Larry Holmes managed to win his first 26 fights without getting much attention. Then he beat Earnie Shavers over 12 rounds and earned a shot at WBC champion Ken Norton. Holmes won the title with a split decision, in one of the greatest heavyweight title fights of all time. Holmes dispatched Alfredo Evangelista inside seven rounds in his first defence, and also beat Ossie Ocasio in seven rounds in his second defence. His third defence was much harder, and Holmes overcame the fierce challenge of Mike Weaver in 12 rounds. Up next was a rematch with Shavers.<br /><br />After Earnie Shavers lost his first fight to Larry Holmes, he regrouped and won five consecutive bouts by stoppage. While four of those opponents were journeymen, the other was former champion Ken Norton. Shavers blew Norton away in the first round, and this is widely regarded as the most impressive win of his career. There was no doubt Shavers were in shape and out for revenge against Holmes.<br /><br />For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:<br /><br />Larry Holmes - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/150<br /><br />Earnie Shavers - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/320
