Muhammad Ali scored a shaky 15-round decision over Earnie "The Acorn" Shavers last night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, to retain his heavyweight title.

Shavers was the aggressor throughout the fight, using hard rights to Ali's midsection and head that stunned the champ, but the 33-year-old challenger could not finish off Ali after landing the initial blow.

The official scores were as follows: Referee Johnny LoBianco: 9-5-1 Ali Judge Eva Shane: 9-6 Ali Judge Tony Castillano: 9-6 Ali