The World Boxing Association (WBA) mourns the passing of boxing legend, former American heavyweight fighter, Earnie Shavers, on Tuesday as he neared his 78th birthday.

Several media around the world reported the passing of the Garland, Alabama native, an outstanding fighter whose professional career spanned from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s in a long-lived performance in the ring.

Shavers was a two-time world title challenger and faced world-class opponents such as Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton and Larry Holmes. Possessing a great punch, he knocked out 68 of the 74 opponents he defeated and always put on a show in each of his fights. 

Today the boxing world is sad and says goodbye to a legend who won the hearts of the people. Thank you for so much, champion. Rest in Peace.