Leroy Caldwell

Leroy Caldwell (c. 1946 — February 2023) was an American professional boxer who competed against heavyweight contenders including both Ron Lyle and George Foreman in 1971 and Earnie Shavers in 1972. In a 2020 gym interview, Caldwell credited Shavers as the hardest puncher he had ever faced.

Professional career Caldwell's first professional boxing match was on June 9, 1969, defeating Allen Heard. He defeated Heard in two consecutive rematches between June and July of that year, all fought in Caldwell's home state of Louisiana.

Caldwell went on to become a journeyman fighter, competing against a range of heavyweights. His first notable challenge was fought on December 9, 1969, against Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams. Two years later on July 24, 1971, Caldwell fought Ron Lyle, losing by a unanimous decision. Two months later on September 21, 1971, Caldwell lost a fight against George Foreman via knockout.

On October 25, 1972, Caldwell lost a fight against heavyweight contender Earnie Shavers. In later years, Caldwell described this fight as being hit with a shotgun and remembering little more than feeling the force of Shavers' punch down to his toes. He also stated by the time he woke up, he was in the dressing room and his cornermen were in the process of removing his gloves from his hands.