WARREN, Ohio - Another valley boxer who gained national recognition came home to Warren to talk to the Rotary Club about how he inspires young people to excel.

Earnie Shavers' nickname was The Destroyer. Mohamed Ali called Shavers the hardest punching heavyweight he ever faced. After boxing, Shavers retired in 1983 and became an ordained minister. His message to today's youth is take care of your body and your mind.

"Get a good education. Be a leader, not a follower. Leave drugs and alcohol alone. Anything that hurts your body leave it alone," Shavers said.

Shavers was working at the General Motors Lordstown plant when he took up boxing in 1967. He went on to win 74 fights, 68 by knockout. He lost to Mohamed Ali in a nationally televised bout at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1977.  He lost another chance at the heavyweight title to Larry Holmes, whom Shavers says is still his best friend today.

At age 72 Shavers remains active as a training consultant and inspirational speaker.