Earnie Shavers, 78, has died. American boxer nicknamed "The Acorn", who fought Muhammad Ali, has passed away.

Earnie Shavers, an American boxer who fought Muhammad Ali, has passed away at the age of 78.

Alabama's heavyweight, who was known for throwing some of the most powerful punches in history, won 74 of his 89 professional fights between 1969-1995.

"The Acorn" twice failed to challenge for the world title.

This included Ali's defeat in 1977. It was a unanimous points decision at Madison Square Garden after 15 rounds with The Ring belts, WBC and WBA on the line.

Two years later, Shavers lost to Larry Holmes on technical knockout. This was his second chance at the world title.

He had ten children, nine daughters and one boy, including five girls Tamara and Cynthia and Catherine and Carla and Amy from his marriage with Laverne Penny.

After the tragic news about his death, tributes pour in from all corners of the boxing industry via social media.

DAZN Boxing tweeted "One of the most difficult punchers in boxing history."

"Earnie Shavers, 78, has tragically passed away." Champ, RIP

Another said: "Generally considered one of the most difficult punchers, if NOT THE hardest puncher of any time."

Randall "Tex" Cobb said, "Earnie Shavers could punch your neck and break you ankle. '"

Al Bernstein, Showtime TV's executive producer, added that Earnie Shavers had passed away. He was not only a great boxer, but he was also an amazing guy.

He was a friend of mine when I interviewed him for Boxing Illustrated 1978. I have known him since then and every moment with him was great. He will be greatly missed."

One user wrote: "RIP Earnie, a ferocious boxer in one the greatest eras heavyweight boxing and he was a major part of it.

More to come...