By Jackie Kallen
I am an admitted Shawn Porter fan. I have been a fan since he was an amateur. He is one of those boxers who is both a gentleman out of the ring and a skilled marksman in the ring. At 26 years old with a spotless record of 24-0-1, he is at the top of the welterweight mountain.
Photo: Carlos Delgado – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
He won his title last December against Devon Alexander and defended it gallantly by stopping Paul Malignaggi this past April. The 4th round TKO showed the world what a great champion Porter is. The dazzling smile turns off when he climbs through the ropes, and the mean streak emerges. With one of the best jabs in the welterweight division, Porter dominates–and wins–every fight.
Porter faces undefeated Kell Brook Saturday night in Carson, CA. The 32-0 Brook is hoping that this is his time to shine. He is 28 years old and is a fan favorite is his native UK. Both Brook and Porter believe an impressive win puts them in line for one of the last coveted spots against “Money” Mayweather before he retires.
Porter has long voiced his plans to dominate the welterweight division and eventually face off against the King of the Hill. He is #6 in the Boxrec.com list of welterweights. Brook is #7. This has the potential to be a really good bout. Porter is on a roll. His confidence is off the hook and he trains with a vengeance. One would assume Brook has been preparing equally as hard.
Assuming that class is a factor in fights like this, Porter has the richer pedigree. He is strong and won’t be fazed by Brook’s stand-up style. He is smart enough to know that Brook would not be coming over to Porter’s backyard if he didn’t intend to win, However, intending to win is not always enough.
I admit I don’t know a whole lot about Brook. I watched a couple of Youtube videos, I know he started fighting because of Bruce Lee. I saw footage of him training. I heard a couple of interviews. He seems like a nice enough guy. 32-0 is nothing to sneeze at.
I don’t see him beating Porter. I know. Remember Buster Douglas and all that BS. But those upsets are few and far between. Is it possible? Of course. Is it likely? No.
Personally, I hope Porter continues his stampede through the division. He could be a truly viable for the for the unbeaten Mayweather. This fight just might be the one to elevate him into that revered stratosphere called “Moneyland.” His name could be entered into the sweepstakes.
Damn, I love boxing.
