Newton Falls Schools will celebrate the life of one of its most famous graduates this weekend.

Funeral services are scheduled for Earnie Shavers this Saturday at the school auditorium.

Shavers passed away earlier this month at the age of 78.

The calling hours for Mr. Shavers is 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, September 17.  The funeral will follow immediately.

The City of Newton Falls will be planting an oak tree on the school grounds in memory of Shavers, because he was known as "Acorn" Ernie

Shavers, a track, and football star at Newton Falls High School 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.

Ali called Shavers, nicknamed "The Destroyer," the hardest punching heavyweight he ever faced.

Shavers lost another chance at the heavyweight title to Larry Holmes.

After boxing, Shavers retired in 1983, becoming an ordained minister, training consultant, and inspirational speaker.