[tps_header]Honorable Mention
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Earnie Shavers
Nicknamed “The Black Destroyer”, Earnie Shavers (74-14-1, 68 KOs) started his career by knocking out 44 of 47 opponents. He was undoubtedly one of the hardest hitters the Heavyweight division has ever seen.
According to the UK Star, after 15 hard-fought rounds with Muhammad Ali, Ali famously said, “Earnie hit me so hard, he shook my kinfolk back in Africa!”
One of the most impressive victories of Shavers’ career was against Ken Norton by first-round knockout in 1979.
Ken Norton
Ken Norton was tough-as-nails. A Heavyweight who is well known for his trilogy with Muhammad Ali, Norton broke Ali’s jaw in their first bout (per Wikipedia) and handed “The Greatest of All Time” only the second loss of his career.
Norton compiled a record of 42-7-1, 33 KOs.
Floyd Patterson
Known as the “Gentleman of Boxing”, Floyd Patterson amassed a record of 55-8-1 record with 40 wins coming by knockout.
Patterson was an Olympic gold medalist in 1952 and was the first medalist to win the Heavyweight championship (per Wikipedia).
Sonny Liston
One of the most intimidating Heavyweights of all time, “The Bear”, Sonny Liston finished his career with a record of 50-4, 39 KOs.
Liston won the Heavyweight title by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round in 1962.
Liston is rated as the No. 15 hardest puncher in boxing history by Ring Magazine.
