Spence-Porter: Testy Final Presser
From the very announcement of the Porter v Spence Jr unification bout, the event has held a tangible electric charge. Both young warriors are belt-holders in their prime, are all action-fighters and think they can see right through the other. While neither would promote a fight with the theatrics of a Ricardo Mayorga, both maintain an equally intriguing quiet seriousness.
At the final presser, WBC welterweight champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter (30-2-1, 17 KO’s) and IBF welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr (25-0, 21 KO’s) did find it difficult to remain completely composed.
At the outset of the function, before the combatants even sat down, they held a mini-stare down. In that silent size-up, it was evident that both champions are tired of talking. The pre-fight period of confabulation has passed, and the time for bloodshed has arrived.
“He does have the belt. He fought a lot of guys, but all his fights have been split decisions and close decisions. That’s the only thing that he’s showed. That he can stay close to the top level fighters, that’s about it!
Errol Spence Jr – IBF Welterweight Champion”
“I’m sorry that I have everything that it takes to not only make a fight exciting, but make it close and competitive, so on and so forth. No one complains about Shawn “Showtime” Porter when he gets out the ring!
Shawn Porter – WBC Welterweight Champion”
Once seated on the panel, FOX boxing analyst Heidi Androl didn’t get off three questions before tensions got hot. When Showtime stated he had no worries of being knocked out because Spence didn’t KO a “135 Mikey Garcia” we were off to the races! Spence and Porter did little more than loudly take shots at each others accomplishments, resume and skill set.
“You wild, you fight like a football player, you an in-shape street fighter! You an in-shape street fighter, that’s what you are! […] You fight like you drowning, you fight like you drowning and don’t know how to swim. You wind milling, you wild, there is no technique to your game!
Errol Spence Jr – IBF Welterweight Champion”
“Everybody knows that I am in shape. Everybody knows that I can take a punch! Everybody knows that I’m going to be there from the first round to the last round…alright then! You know I’m going to be there from the first round to the last round and we going to see what’s going to happen to you!
Shawn Porter – WBC Welterweight Champion”
Interestingly enough, when all the braggadocios comments came to a close, Spence and Porter both acknowledged that they have a difficult assignment ahead of them. Putting all claims of undeniable dominance to the side, the two champions understand that providing anything less than their A-game will leave them beltless.
As both said themselves in his closing statements, this is an outstanding unification fight that has all the elements to become an instant classic and historic thriller! Saturday night simply can’t arrive fast enough.
“If you’re looking for something fun to do on Saturday night, watch someone fight! It’s going to be fantastic. History will be made and I’m looking forward to being on the good side of that history.
Shawn Porter – WBC Welterweight Champion”
“This is going to be an amazing event. Come Saturday night, I will be unified champion of the world. I know that Shawn comes to fight, I embrace that. I’m ready for a dog fight, whatever it takes to win. This is going to be a very exciting fight! I know he coming in shape. I know he is ready to fight and I can’t wait.
“Come Saturday night, I promise you this is going to be a great fight. One for the history books.
Errol Spence Jr – IBF Welterweight Champion”
By: Bakari Simpson
Porter is far more than a in shape street fighter. Shawn has great boxing skill. Everyone said Thurman was going to out box Porter easy, yet punch stats showed that Porter doubled up Thurman in jabs, and landed over 80 more power shots. Most of that went to the body. I guess PBC wasnt counting body shots that day, because Porter actually out landed Thurman 9/12 rounds, backed him up most the night and had Thurman punching off his back foot. I was as confused as the booing crowd when they announced Thurman the winner by UD. Really??? I get it though. PBC had already started talking about a unification bout between Thurman and D. Garcia the moment Garcia won that vacant WBC title. So I understand Porter was basically going to need a knock out to get a draw heading into that fight. Now Porter could be faced with the same issue. PBC is looking at a way to market Errol VS Crawford, and the best way is to make sure Errol is still undefeated, or all the power is with Crawford and Bob Arum. Something Al Haymon doesnt want. So Porter could be in trouble yet again. Not to mention Manny is looming right around the corner and I doubt Freddy Roach wants Manny in there with a Whirling Dervish style fighter like Porter. So the winner of Errol v Porter should fight Crawford, winner of that fights Manny. These young fighters need to unify as many belts as they can before stepping to Manny. Bring 3 belts to Manny, making there fight for Undisputed Unified Champion. Who knows, maybe Manny wins. If they skip drug testing like they did for Manny vs Thurman, then who knows….If Canelo gets away with it, why not Manny?? Hes done more for the sport than Canelo. Canelo cant even win his big fights without the judges giving him gifts.
Agreed!