47 years ago

Date: 29th September 1977

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

Title: WBC & WBA World Heavyweight Titles

Tv: NBC Sports

Muhammad Ali
( 54 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 225 lbs

Earnie Shavers
( 54 - 5 - 1 )
Weight: 211 1/4 lbs

On a balmy September night in 1977, the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden bore witness to a titanic clash that would etch itself into boxing lore. Muhammad Ali, the self-proclaimed "Greatest," stepped into the ring to defend his heavyweight crown against the thunderous fists of Earnie Shavers.

As the iconic Star Wars theme heralded Ali's arrival, an electric atmosphere engulfed the arena. This wasn't just any fight; it was a primetime spectacle broadcast on NBC, with the legendary voices of Dick Enberg, Larry Merchant, and former Ali nemesis Ken Norton calling the action.

From the opening bell, it was clear that Ali faced a formidable challenge in Shavers, a man he'd christened "The Acorn" for his gleaming bald pate. But beneath that dome lay arguably the most devastating punching power the heavyweight division had ever seen.

Ali showcased his veteran savvy round after round, employing his jab and footwork to keep the dangerous Shavers at bay. Yet, the challenger's raw power was undeniable. Shavers repeatedly found his mark, each blow threatening to end Ali's reign spectacularly.

The champion's renowned durability was put to the ultimate test. After the bout, Ali would famously quip, "Earnie hit me so hard, he shook my kinfolk back in Africa!" It was a testament to Shaver's' fearsome power and Ali's incredible resilience.

A unique drama unfolded beyond the ring ropes as the fight wore on. NBC's revolutionary decision to display round-by-round scoring on-screen added a new layer of strategy. Ali's shrewd trainer, Angelo Dundee, capitalized on this by stationing a man in the dressing room to relay the official numbers. This crucial intelligence allowed Team Ali to navigate the bout's final stages with surgical precision.

In the championship rounds, Ali dug deep, summoning the last great performance of his storied career. His ring generalship and conditioning came to the fore as he weathered Shavers' relentless assault.

After 15 gruelling rounds, the decision went to the scorecards. Judges Johnny LoBianco, Tony Castellano, and Eva Shain – the latter making history as the first woman to score a heavyweight title fight – all saw it in Ali's favour. The unanimous decision was a testament to Ali's enduring greatness and Shaver's' indomitable spirit.

This clash would go down as more than just Ali's 10th title defence of his second reign. It was a passing of the torch, a final glimpse of Ali's magic against a new generation of heavyweight power. For boxing fans, it remains a timeless epic, a reminder of why we love this sport—two warriors pushing each other to the very limits of human endurance and skill.