Shawn Porter responds to critics about his win over Yordenis Ugas
WBC welterweight champion Shawn Porter retained his title in a very close fight against a gamed Yordenis Ugas. It was a fight that left many people with a lot of questions that need answers. This goes in-hand with what many felt was a favorable decision for the champion.
It was unusual the way Porter chose to fight. It wasn’t his normal inside grind performance that has come to be his signature style. Choosing to fight on the outside left those in the boxing community watching perplexed.
The champion took time out to explain the change in strategy.
“My Dad was telling me that the rounds were going our way and to keep pumping the jab, keep moving and don’t let him touch me.
“I think in trying to establish and execute that game plan, we stuck with it because it was what was working and ultimately my Dad would get the victory tonight.”
Porter also responded on what he was seeing that made him stay on the outside more than normal.
“We knew that if I wasn’t standing in front of him [Ugas], he would have to move his feet. If anything, I wasn’t strategic enough with my feet.
“What I mean by that is there are certain moves I can do and pull off to get a guy to open up and I didn’t do that enough.”
Porter would further add there isn’t much he can do to convince people he won the fight. He feels it wasn’t a championship decision nor did he get a favorable one because of his name.
Looking Ahead
Porter acknowledges that to fight IBF champion Errol Spence would require going to another level. Moreover, he stands firm on wanting to fight WBA super champion Keith Thurman, WBA regular champion Manny Pacquiao and Spence next in no particular order.
Challenger Ugas would also weigh in with his thoughts, demanding a rematch and hopes the WBC will do what he believes is the right thing.
In some cases, we have seen the sanctioning body order an immediate rematch after such public outcry. Whether they will or not remains to be seen, however, what is certain is the Cuban challenger proved he can complete on this level.
By: Garrisson Bland
