Earnie Shavers (1944–2022) was widely regarded as the hardest puncher in heavyweight history, feared by every opponent he faced including Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes.

Career Highlights

• Professional record: 74 wins, 68 by KO, 14 losses, 1 draw
• Challenged for the WBC heavyweight title against Ali in 1977
• KO percentage among the highest ever recorded in professional boxing

Muhammad Ali called Shavers the hardest he had ever been hit. Larry Holmes said Shavers nearly took him out in their title fight. Despite never winning a major world title, Shavers' punching power remains the stuff of boxing legend.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Earnie Shavers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earnie_Shavers