7"THE LAST GREAT CONTENDERS" -The heavyweight division of the 1970s was arguably the most competitive in boxing history. Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Muhammad Ali all earned the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World during this time period. But in order to be the "baddest man on the planet" they had to survive a crucible of contenders unlike any other in the division's history. Names like Ken Norton, Jerry Quarry, Earnie Shavers, Jimmy Young and others dotted the landscape. No fighter who competed during this era emerged from these battles unscathed.
"I AVOIDED HIM..."
Jerry Quarry was named by George Foreman as the greatest fighter to never win a title and Foreman freely admits to have avoided him. Many a viewer felt Jimmy Young defeated both Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton but his style was not "crowd pleasing." Jeff Merritt was labeled as a "can't miss" prospect by everyone who ever saw him...But the drug lifestyle robbed him of his future. Earnie Shavers punched "like a Mack truck" but a soft chin and poor stamina led to untimely losses.
"FOREMAN GOES DOWN!!"
Anyone who has seen Foreman versus Lyle will never forget it. The last round of Holmes versus Norton has made for many a barber shop conversation. Quarry vs. Frazier is the equivalent of the immovable object against the irresistible force. Shavers vs. Lyle was a seldom seen classic. Great fighters all competing for what was a modern day answer to a gladiator tournament. These brutal battles became the standard by which all heavyweight fights are judged.
"PAY UP, MOTHER F*CKER!"
What did Roy "Tiger" Williams say when Muhammad Ali owes him money? The two engaged in a fierce two day sparring session to settle their dispute. This was an example of how sometimes the best fights took place outside the arena and in the gym, sparking rumors and hearsay. Was Sonny Liston knocked cold by ex-Marine Mac Foster in an Oakland gym? Did Earnie Shavers leave Muhammad Ali's camp by choice or was he thrown out?
AMONG THE FIGHTERS FEATURED
Rahman Ali - Brother of Muhammad Ali
Ibar Arrington - Steel chinned ex-Navy champion
Duane Bobick - The most criticized fighter of the era
Rodney Bobick - Sparring partner for Ali, died in car accident
Oscar Bonavena - Wild and wooly Argentinian
Johnny Boudreaux - Was compared to Muhammad Ali
Joe Bugner - Underrated veteran who fought them all
George Chuvalo - Perhaps the toughest fighter of all time
Henry Clark - Clever San Francisco heavyweight
Dino Denis - Popular Massachusetts stick and mover
Tony Doyle - Was considered Utah's best boxing prospect
Jim Lee Elder - Up and coming slugger who died from a brain tumor
Lou Esa - Giant former bouncer out of Florida
Mac Foster - Ex Marine who won 24 straight by knockout
Jose Luis Garcia - Venezuelan slickster who ate himself out of contention
Terry Hinke - Heavy left hooker who was Foreman's sparring partner
Morris Jackson - Nebraska power puncher
Scrap Iron Johnson - The trial horse of the division
Florida Al Jones - Giant Miami prospect hampered by a hand injury
Boone Kirkman -Popular draw out of Washington state
Scott Ledoux - Minnesota brawler who always gave his best
Alvin Blue Lewis - Detroit tough guy
Pedro Lovell - Popular Argentinian who fought out of L.A.
Ron Lyle - Denver slugger who gave Foreman hell
Humphrey McBride - The decade's answer to Butterbean
Jeff Merritt - Brutal left hooker who was knocked out by drug
Fili Moala - Power punching Tongan
Randy Neumann - Intelligent boxer who worked as a writer, model, and investor
Ken Norton - Always gave Ali fits
Jack O'Halloran - Goliath who suffered from "gigantism"
Jerry Quarry - One of the era's most popular
These fighters and more from A to Z are featured in this encyclopedia of heavyweight contenders of the 1970s.