Shawn Porter edges Yordenis Ugas in a tough battle
In what has the makings of a trap fight, we have “Showtime” Shawn Porter (29-2-1, 17KO) vs Yordenis Ugas (23-3, 11KO). At stake is Porter’s WBC welterweight title, as well as lucrative fights against WBA champion Keith Thurman, Manny Pacquiao, IBF champion Errol Spence, and WBO titlest Terrence Crawford.
Ugas will be looking to upset those plans with a victory that would put him in position to take the title and replace Porter for positioning in the quest for unification. There was drama prior to the fight, with Porter initially missing weight.
Though, after some bicycling, sauna time, and a haircut, the WBC champ made weight and retained his title. The Ugas camp felt this gave them a psychological advantage.
The Breakdown
During the ring walk, it was unusual to see Porter bundled up to keep his body warm. To start the fight, both fighters look to establish their jabs and Ugas’ length is causing Porter to have to utilize feints and footwork to create punching angles.
Ugas is making a conscience effort to jab to the body. The fight is starting with a very interesting dynamic; Ugas holding his ground and Porter trying to ambush him while using movement and sudden blitzes to get Ugas off balance.
Going into round four, Ugas seems to be gaining momentum as his bodywork is definitely taking its toll. He was able to blunt, and actually reverse the pressure of Porter.
One issue both fighters are struggling with is changing head positions after landing punchesl which is creating numerous counters.
As the fight progresses to the middle rounds, Ugas has abandoned his bodywork and it’s allowing Porter to hustle in some work of his own. As the fight progresses, the rounds are very close with both fighters doing some things well,while being exploited for their perspective mistakes.
The championship rounds will determine the winner of this fight.
The Closing Rounds
Going into round eleven, a cut has opened over the champion’s right eye. At the end of the round, Porter staggered Ugas with a jab that visibly stunned the challenger. Going into round twelve, it seems the fight is in the balance and the victor here will take the fight. Ugas took the lead and remained the busier of the two.
Porter goes down towards the end of the round but, it’s ruled a slip. Both fighters make it to the final bell, and the ball is in the judges hands.
The fight was scored 115-113 on one card for Ugas, and 115-113 twice for Porter who retained his title.
As for what’s next Porter, he will be waiting on the results of Spence vs Garcia on March 16. As we previously reported, he plans to enter the ring at the AT&T Stadium to entice the winner into a fight. Additionally, the WBC wants him to rematch Thurman when the WBA champion is ready, therefore, that will also be an option.
As for Ugas, his performance definitely warrants opportunities against any of the top ten in the division.
By: Corey Cunningham
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