Tag: SHAWN PORTER

Porter: ‘He’s (Crawford) the best out of everybody I have been in the ring with’

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For nine rounds on Saturday night, in front of a sold-out crowd of 11,568 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, we had a very close fight between Terence Crawford and Shawn Porter, but in the 10th round, it turned when Crawford dropped Porter twice, and ultimately, Porter’s father and trainer, Kenny Porter, decided to stop the fight.

With the win, Crawford retains his WBO welterweight world title 

Mikey Williams /Top Rank via Getty Images

Porter(31-4-1, 17 KOs) was Crawford’s (38-0, 29 KOs) best opponent at 147, and after five rounds, Porter, who appeared to give Crawford trouble, led 48-47 on all three scorecards.

However, according to Crawford, he figured Porter out very early.

“(I figured him out in) Round 1,” Crawford said. “I figured that I had the reach, and he had to take chances, and he did what he normally does. He tried to maul and push me back, but I used my angles, and I pushed him back at times as well. Shawn Porter is a slick fighter. He was doing some things in there and made me think.”

According to Porter, who lost to Errol Spence Jr., Crawford is the best fighter he’s ever faced.

“My timing was off, and he wouldn’t allow me to get my rhythm,” Porter said. “He’s (Crawford) the best out of everybody I have been in the ring with.”

Despite the knockdowns, it appeared Porter could continue, but his father decided otherwise, which he explained why after the fight.

“He didn’t prepare like I wanted him to prepare,” Kenny Porter said. “So that makes me say, ‘You know what? I don’t want him in that situation.'”

Crawford and Porter are friends, so this was not a fight Crawford wanted to make, which Crawford discussed after the win.

“I love him. Shawn Porter is a real good friend of mine,” Crawford said. “I didn’t really want to fight him. We always said we would fight each other when the time was right, and I guess the time was right for this fight to happen. I tried to fight the other champions in the division, and that didn’t happen, so I went to the next best thing.”

At the post-fight press conference, the 34-year-old Porter announced his retirement from boxing. Boxers retire often in the sport and come back, so we’ll see if Porter stays retired.

Regarding Crawford, whose contract with Top Rank is done, he could move to the PBC side and go after Spence, who was in attendance on Saturday night. Spence-Crawford is the biggest fight at 147 and maybe the biggest fight in boxing, so let’s hope it happens sometime in 2022.

Crawford: ‘I’ve been calling out the top welterweights since I moved up to 147’

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Terence “Bud” Crawford has called out the welterweight superstars for years.  His long wait for a legacy-defining fight is now over. Crawford will defend his WBO welterweight world title and unbeaten record Saturday, Nov. 20 against two-time welterweight champion and WBO No. 1 contender “Showtime” Shawn Porter at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with TGB Promotions, Crawford-Porter will be a Top Rank PPV exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“I’ve been calling out the top welterweights since I moved up to 147 in 2018, and I’m excited that Shawn stepped up,” Crawford said. “This fight will bring out the best in me and showcase parts of my game that the world hasn’t seen yet. On November 20, I will silence my doubters and prove that I am the best welterweight in the world.”

Porter said, “I’ve wanted this fight for a long time and now my patience has paid off. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on the best and proven myself as a man who gives 100 percent in everything I do. Terence Crawford is a great, versatile fighter who is very athletic just like myself. We are the two best welterweights in the world, and on November 20, we get a chance to prove who is the best. Fight fans can expect a great show that night and, with this victory, I will cement myself as the best welterweight of this era.”

Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs), the three-weight world champion from America’s heartland, Omaha, Nebraska, has made four defenses of his world title since knocking off Jeff “The Hornet” Horn in June 2018. A mainstay near the upper rungs of the mythical pound-for-pound rankings, Crawford has been a world champion since March 2014. He defeated WBO lightweight world champion Ricky Burns on enemy soil in Scotland and made his first title defense in front of the Omaha faithful with a ninth-round stoppage over Yuriorkis Gamboa. Crawford became the first man in the four-belt era to become the undisputed junior welterweight champion, and he is 4-0 with four knockouts since moving up to welterweight. His knockout streak of eight dates back to July 2016, when he notched a one-sided decision over Viktor “The Iceman” Postol at MGM Grand Garden Arena to unify two of the junior welterweight world titles. Crawford is coming off last November’s fourth-round knockout over Kell Brook inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

Porter (31-3-1, 17 KOs), a 13-year pro from Akron, Ohio, first tasted championship glory in December 2013 when he outfought the previously undefeated Devon Alexander to win the IBF welterweight title. He knocked out two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi in his first title defense before Brook edged him by majority decision in August 2014. Over the next seven years, Porter continued fighting the welterweight elite, becoming a two-time world champion in 2018 when he toppled Danny Garcia to win the WBC welterweight title. He defended that title against future Manny Pacquiao conqueror Yordenis Ugas before taking Errol Spence Jr. to the limit in a September 2019 title unification tilt. After dropping a split decision to Spence, Porter regrouped with a one-sided decision over Sebastian Formella in August 2020 to set up the Crawford showdown.

Ugas: ‘I feel I beat Shawn Porter, so I know I belong with the elite boxers at 147 pounds’

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Top contender Yordenis Ugás shared insights into his training camp and more as he prepares to take on hard-hitting Abel Ramos for the vacant WBA Welterweight Championship this Sunday, September 6 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Ugás returns to action after scoring a stoppage victory over Mike Dallas in February on FS1. Prior to that fight, Ugás had battled then WBC Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter in a March 2019 title fight on FOX that saw the Cuban fighter lose a narrow decision.

To earn the title shot, the Olympic bronze medalist Ugás returned from a nearly two-year layoff in 2016 and beat then unbeaten fighters Jamal James and Bryant Perrella. Ugás turned that into an eight-fight winning streak, including triumphs over Thomas Dulorme, Ray Robinson and Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo.

Here is what Ugás had to say from training camp in Las Vegas with his coach, Ismael Salas:

On his recent training camp:

 “Training in Las Vegas at the Salas Boxing Academy with coach Ismael is a great time because he provides a championship atmosphere. The gym is filled with excellent fighters and the sparring I’ve gotten has been incredible. More importantly, Salas is a great teacher who knows exactly what is needed to improve my game. We got a lot done in this camp and you will see a more polished version of myself on fight night.”

On his matchup with Abel Ramos:

“Ramos is a very tough fighter who has a tremendous amount of heart, as shown in his last fight when he knocked out Perrella in the final seconds of that fight. This will be one of those fights that the fans will be talking about for many years, because we are not going to be backing up. I’m expecting an all-out war.”

 On his quest to become the first Cuban Welterweight World Champion in 45 years:

“If I’m not mistaken, there hasn’t been a Cuban welterweight world champion since Jose Napoles in 1975. It will be an honor to become the first Cuban welterweight world champion of this millennium, God willing I come out victorious.  Becoming a world champion is a goal I set for myself when I first started boxing, and I’m not going to let it slip by this time around.  My goal is to not leave the decision in the hands of the judges, so I’ll be going for the knockout.”

 On the state of the welterweight division:

“Everyone knows the welterweight division is always loaded with the best fighters in boxing, and I consider myself as one of those guys. I feel I beat Shawn Porter, so I know I belong with the elite boxers at 147 pounds. I must get past Ramos first, then I’m coming for everyone.”

Photo: Team Ugás

Shawn Porter: ‘I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere’

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Two-time welterweight world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter scored a dominant unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Sebastian Formella in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator Saturday night headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“He was a tough fighter,” said Porter. “After about six rounds my dad told me that he’s going to keep taking these punches, so I just needed to keep the pressure on him.”

Porter (31-3-1, 17 KOs) began to impose his renowned all-action style from the outset, as Formella (22-1, 10 KOs) looked to use the ring and his jab to slow the ongoing attack. Porter’s arsenal was more varied and effective as the fight went on, adding in increased body attacks and thudding left hooks and uppercuts to punctuate his numerous combinations.

“The game plan was to use finesse and subtlety,” said Porter. “I went in there looking for the shot and ready to take the openings. I wanted to be aggressive, but not too aggressive, because we knew he would run. We worked on cutting off the ring and I think it all worked out tonight.

“For me it made sense to fight up on my toes. It’s a different type of rhythm and a lot of guys don’t know when I’m coming and going. I think it mixed things up for Formella tonight. We worked on fast jabs, powerful jabs, directing the jab and today he couldn’t tell which one was coming. I was popping his head back and of course also going to the body.”

Formella continued to stand tall against Porter through the middle rounds, throwing return fire and landing scoring punches, even as Porter pressed forward and used his strength advantage.

“We had a lot of film on Formella,” said Porter. “I knew that his focus would be on his feet and when it wasn’t the feet, he would be covering up. I could tell his corner was telling him to punch with me or right after me, so he connected on me that way. I had to get on a different rhythm for him. He was able to play some chess and he did well. My dad always says that the mind controls everything. I think he had his mind made up that he was going to take everything and go 12 rounds. His body followed his mind tonight.”

In addition to out-landing Formella by a count of 304 to 148 throughout the fight according to CompuBox, Porter had a significant advantage in body punches landed, connecting on 89 to Formella’s six. Porter’s 304 punches landed was the most he’s connected on in a fight, surpassing the total he accrued in his 2016 clash against Keith Thurman.

“We definitely worked on throwing the overhand right for this fight,” said Porter. “We worked on our power a lot and in the beginning I wanted to land that overhand right. I was really keyed in on that. My dad said to stick to the speed and that would set up the power. I switched it up to straight rights to the body because that’s more of a speed punch.”

Porter continued his dominating work through the final round as Formella showed impressive durability in going the full 12 rounds in his U.S. debut. All three judges scored the bout the same way in favor of Porter, by the score of 120-108 three times.

Porter’s victory puts him in position for a showdown with the winner of the upcoming Errol Spence Jr. vs. Danny Garcia FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View matchup in November. In his post-fight interview with FOX Sports’ Jordan Hardy, Porter delivered a succinct message for his potential next opponent.

“I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere,” said Porter, who dropped a close decision to Spence in a unification bout last year, and defeated Garcia to capture the WBC title in 2018.

“There’s no telling what they’ll see from me in a rematch,” added Porter later. “I think both guys can also make adjustments. That’s what makes rematches so great, the fans have seen what both of you can do and they want to see who will make the right adjustments. I definitely think that I will be a little different against either guy.”

Photo: Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

Porter: ‘Any time I step in the ring there are some new wrinkles to my game’

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Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter will face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round WBC/IBF welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

For Porter(30-3-1, 17 KOs), it’s his first time in the ring since losing his WBC 147-pound title to Errol Spence Jr. last September. In that fight, Porter gave Spence all he could handle, but he was knocked down in round 11, and ultimately would lose the fight.

With the Spence fight behind him, Porter is looking to get back on track against Formella, and according to Porter, you will see some new things added to his arsenal. 

“Me and my dad have been working hard since April staying ready for this opportunity to get back in the ring,” said Porter. “Over the past couple of years, any time I step in the ring, there are some new wrinkles to my game. We understand that you can’t fight one way against everyone, so you’re going to see some small, slight wrinkles, but I’ll always been an aggressive fighter. Once I smell that blood, I’m going for it. We’re excited to show off a different side of Shawn Porter.”

The 33-year-old Formella (22-0, 10 KOs) is unknown to many and fought mostly in his native Germany. However, he’s excited to prove himself against Porter. 

“I have always said that I wanted to compete against the best, and now I have that chance on Saturday, August 22,” said Formella. “Even though the experts may think I’m the underdog, I have trained hard for this fight and will give everything I have in the ring. Shawn Porter is rightly a superstar in this weight class, and I’m excited to get in the ring and test myself against him.”

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and it features rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora going up against hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Rising prospect Joey Spencer will also compete on the broadcast in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. 

Spence-Garcia headlines PBC on Fox Fall schedule

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FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions announced today an exciting slate of boxing shows that will include action in some of the sports’ hottest divisions and is highlighted by the highly anticipated showdown between unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. and two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia headlining the first in a series of FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-Views on Saturday, November 21.

The FOX PBC Fight Night return schedule kicked off tonight with Jamal “Shango” James taking on Thomas Dulorme for the WBA Interim Welterweight title from AEG’s Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The schedule includes six events that will be broadcast on FOX, one FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View and 11 shows on FS1, running from August 8 through the end of the year. Initially the live events will be held without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

“The PBC back on FOX Sports is what we’ve all been working towards,” said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling, FOX Sports. “We’re looking forward to showcasing some of the top boxers in the sport on FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes and PPV throughout the rest of the year.”

See below for the FOX, FOX Deportes and FOX PPV Schedule for the remainder of 2020.

SHOWS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

Jamal James vs. Thomas Dulorme – Interim WBA Welterweight Title

David Morrell Jr. vs. Lennox Allen – Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title

Omar Juarez vs. Willie Shaw – Super Lightweight Special Attraction

Top welterweight contender Jamal “Shango” James (26-1, 12 KOs) meets Thomas Dulorme (25-3-1, 16 KOs) for the Interim WBA Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. James of Minneapolis has battled his way through a string of tough opponents to get to the threshold of a welterweight championship and will have to defeat Dulorme of Puerto Rico to take that last big step. In just his third pro fight, David Morrell (2-0, 2 KOs), who had an outstanding amateur career in the Cuban system, will meet Lennox Allen (22-0-1, 14 KOs) of Brooklyn for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight championship in the co-feature. Exciting super lightweight prospect Omar Juarez (7-0, 4 KOs) clashes with Oakland’s Willie Shaw (12-1, 8 KOs).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

Shawn Porter vs Sebastian Formella – WBC/IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator

Sebastian Fundora vs. Nathaniel Gallimore – Super Welterweight Co-Main Event

Joey Spencer in a Six-Round Super Welterweight Special Attraction

Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs) will take on Germany’s Sebastian Formella (22-0, 10 KOs) in a WBC/IBF eliminator headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Porter, who was born in Akron, Ohio and lives in Las Vegas, is coming off a 2019 Fight of the Year contender against Errol Spence, Jr., where he dropped a narrow split decision for the WBC and IBF titles. The undefeated Formella of Lauenburg, Germany will be making his U.S. debut. In the co-feature undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (14-0-1, 9 KOs) takes on Nathaniel Gallimore (21-4-1, 17 KOs) in a major step up fight. Sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (10-0, 7 KOs) will also appear on the card in a six-round special attraction.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Erislandy Lara vs. Greg Vendetti – WBA Super Welterweight Title

Alfredo Angulo vs. Caleb Truax – IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator

Former super welterweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (26-3-3, 15 KOs) battles Greg Vendetti (22-3-1, 12 KOs) for the WBA Super Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Lara, a former Cuban amateur standout, has fought all of the top 154-pound boxers in the sport, including Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Vendetti of Stoneham, Mass., will be looking to earn his first world championship. The co-feature will see battle-tested veteran Alfredo Angulo (26-7, 21 KOs) take on former super middleweight champion Caleb Truax (31-4-2, 19 KOs) in a 168-pound title eliminator. A special six-round attraction will also be announced for the broadcast.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Yordenis Ugas vs. Abel Ramos – WBA Welterweight Title

Rances Barthelemy vs. Alberto Puello – Interim WBA Super Lightweight Title

Jesus Ramos in an Eight-Round Super Lightweight Special Attraction

Top welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas (25-4, 12 KOs) takes on Abel Ramos (26-3-2, 20 KOs) for the WBA Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Ugas, who was born in Cuba but now lives and trains in Las Vegas, has been one of the most active welterweights in the sport the last three years and will look to capture a welterweight title in his second attempt. The only man standing in his way is Ramos, who scored a stunning victory with a TKO stoppage that came with one second left in his fight against Bryant Perrella on FOX in February. In the co-feature, former two-division champion and super lightweight contender Rances Barthelemy (27-1, 14 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Alberto Puello (17-0, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim title. Hard-hitting, undefeated prospect Jesus Ramos (12-0, 11 KOs) will also appear in an eight-round super lightweight special attraction.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SHOW ON FOX SPORTS PBC PPV

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 on FOX SPORTS PBC PPV

Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Danny Garcia – WBC & IBF Welterweight World Titles

Undefeated unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs) returns to defend his titles against two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) in one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Spence of Desoto, Texas will be entering the ring for the first time since being involved in a horrendous single-car accident where he was thrown from the vehicle before it crashed in Dallas last October. Philadelphia’s Garcia, a former unified super lightweight champion and a welterweight champion, aims to reclaim the WBC title he lost in a disputed decision to Shawn Porter and also pick up the IBF belt

SHOWS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

The FS1 broadcast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT after the FOX PBC Fight Night broadcast and features welterweight Mykal Fox (22-1, 5 KOs) taking on Lucas Santamaría (10-1-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round fight, sensational 18-year-old prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs) battling Chris Rollins (3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight bout, and in an eight-round clash of unbeaten heavyweight prospects, Luis Peña (6-0, 6 KOs) faces Michael Coffie (9-0, 6 KOs) to kick off the action.

 SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT following FOX PBC Fight Night.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT preceding FOX Sports PBC PPV.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

Photo: Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports

Porter: ‘I think that knockdown was the difference’

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Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs) unified the IBF and WBC Welterweight World Titles Saturday night against two-time champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (30-3-1,17 KOs) in an action packed main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

“It feels good to win,” said Spence. “This is a lifetime dream. It shows hard work pays off. Thanks Shawn Porter, my whole team and all my Texas people for coming out.”

The back and forth brawl immediately garnered well-deserved Fight of the Year conversation as the two welterweight champions traded power punches from the opening bell to the end. Porter showed his trademark aggressive style throughout the action, smothering Spence while throwing his own power punches.

“Shawn Porter is a rough and awkward fighter,” said Spence. “I didn’t get off what I wanted to. He’s a true champion. He made it tough.”

That left it up to Spence to weather the oncoming storm and find spots to land power punches of his own. According to CompuBox, Spence landed 44% of his power punches, to 25% from Porter.

“He’s a strong kid,” said Porter. “We both came in to do the job. I think I had a little more than what he expected, but he handled it. Congratulations to him and his team. We’re proud of what we did.”

In round four, Porter had Spence in some trouble, as his power shots to the head and body put Spence on the defensive. The strategy from Porter stayed the same throughout, as Spence began to adjust and find a home for his offense, especially the sweeping left hook.

Round eight saw the action taken up to yet another level as Spence initially got the worst of one of the numerous exchanges, before settling in and responding enough to keep Porter at bay. The high-octane fight continued to entertain heading into the championship rounds with the fight up in the balance.

Spence landed one of the decisive blows of the bout in round 11, connecting flush with that sweeping left hook and scoring a knockdown when Porter’s knee and glove hit the canvas. As expected, Porter rebounded strong, going at Spence and putting him on the back foot for most of the remainder of the round.

After 12 rounds the close nature of the fight yielded a split decision from the judges. One judge saw the fight 115-112 for Porter, overruled by two judges who saw it 116-111 for Spence. In the ring after the fight, Spence was confronted and called out by former two-division champion Danny Garcia for a potential showdown next.

 “I think that knockdown was the difference,” said Porter. “I couldn’t come back to the corner with my head down after that.”

 Porter fought a great fight, and his style had Spence a little uncomfortable at times. While it seems Danny Garcia is next, who called out Spence after the fight. I believe Spence-Porter 2 would be better.

Spence: ‘They’re going to call me the ‘show-stopper’ after Saturday night’

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IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter had an intense faceoff at Wednesday’s final press conference before they headline a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this Saturday, September 28 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The fight is just days away, and the intensity is starting to heat up. For Spence, the goal is to shut up both Shawn and his dad/trainer, Kenny Porter on Saturday night.

 “I don’t make anything of the words he’s saying,” Spence said. “We train hard, and we’re focused and prepared for anything he brings Saturday night.

“He’s been talking a lot, his dad’s been talking a lot, and I’m going to shut him up. They’re going to call me the “show-stopper’ after Saturday night.”

In his last fight, Spence went all 12 rounds when he dominated Mikey Garcia by unanimous decision back in March, but against Porter, Spence wants a knockout, which has never happened to Porter.

“I just have to do what I’ve been doing,” Spence said. “I don’t care about the rounds as long as it doesn’t go 12. I’m going to win and do it in dominating fashion.

 “It’s important to me to get the knockout. It’s a goal of mine to stop him, and I hope to get it done. If can’t get it done, then I’m just going to be comfortable with the victory. But you know I’m looking for the stoppage.”

 At the end of the night, Spence expects to walk out of the ring with two belts.

 “This is going to be an amazing event come Saturday night,” he said. “I will be the unified champion of the world. Shawn comes to fight, and I embrace that. I can’t wait because I promise this is going to be one for the history books.”

Photo: Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions

Pacquiao, Wilder, Ruiz, Holyfield, others give their predictions on Spence-Porter

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With fight week here and anticipation reaching a fever pitch, top fighters, legends and trainers shared their thoughts and predictions on this Saturday’s welterweight title unification between IBF Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Amongst the fighters, legends and trainers surveyed, 15 picked the unbeaten Spence to walk away victorious, while 11 favor Porter to end the night as a unified champion. Here is what the fighters and trainers had to say about this blockbuster showdown:

 Manny Pacquiao, WBA Welterweight World Champion

Spence W 12: It’s going to be a good fight, a close fight, but I think Spence will win. It’s not gonna be one-sided fight, it’s gonna be a competitive fight. The fans will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this fight.

Deontay Wilder, WBC Heavyweight World Champion

Spence UD 12: Errol Spence and Shawn Porter is a clash of styles that makes for an exciting, high-profile unification fight. Errol’s trying to be ruler of the division with a statement win, so I expect him to come out and perform.

 Shawn’s going to come for the full 12 rounds, no matter what. Errol’s never fought anyone like that, which makes this so intriguing. But I see Errol as being the best in the division, hands down, and I’m picking him by unanimous decision. I don’t see him knocking Shawn out.

Andy Ruiz Jr., Unified Heavyweight World Champion

Porter SD 12: I’ve trained-practically grown up-with Shawn Porter, who has a difficult style. Errol Spence is a great fighter and Shawn’s the underdog, but I was the underdog against Anthony Joshua and we all know what happened there.

 Shawn’s probably gonna have to be rough in there and stay on the inside, but I expect him to do it and win a decision.

Gary Russell Jr., WBC Featherweight World Champion

Porter SD 12: This is a tossup. If Shawn stays in Errol’s chest and remains in an aggressive manner, there’s a great chance that he takes this fight.

 If Errol’s allowed to box and dictate the pace, then Errol has the best opportunity to win. If I have to pick, I’m going with Shawn Porter simply because I’ve known Shawn longer and our great relationship going back to the amateurs, not because anyone’s skill set is better than the other.

 Thomas Hearns, Hall of Famer

Spence MD 12: Errol Spence and Shawn Porter are both excellent fighters, but I think Spence has the better skills and he’s undefeated, so I’m leaning toward him.

 Porter can bring it, but Spence is the smarter, more accurate puncher. I see Spence landing more combinations and beating Porter by a majority decision.

 Abner Mares, former three-division champion

Porter SD 12: A high percentage of the boxing community is going to pick Errol Spence to beat Shawn Porter, if not by knockout. But keep in mind that Shawn has faced better fighters.

 In Shawn’s unique, awkward style, I believe he’s a better fighter than Spence, who has that relaxed, fundamental approach that looks beautiful, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think Spence has faced anyone with this relentless, in-your-face style which doesn’t allow you to sit back and think. Porter won’t let Spence get comfortable in there. Shawn’s always got a plan A, B, C and D, so I’m going for the underdog, Porter, to win a close, upset split-decision.

 Mikey Garcia, former four-division champion

Spence W 12: I don’t believe Errol Spence will win by a knockout. I believe that it goes 12 rounds, but I do have Errol Spence beating Shawn Porter.

 Keith Thurman, former unified world welterweight champion

Spence W 12 / TKO: This is two world champion warriors going at it in a great fight. They have a common opponent in Kell Brook, who beat Shawn Porter and was knocked out by Errol Spence.

 That’s why my pick is Spence. Styles make fights, and Shawn’s aggression could be difficult for Spence to handle since Spence has never faced an opponent like Shawn.

 Shawn’s gonna come hungry but Brook and I handled that pressure, and I believe that Spence – being a tall southpaw with power and a great jab – will be able to deal with it as well. Spence has the power to stop Shawn, and if he does, I believe that would happen in the later rounds, like he did Brook.

Angel Garcia, trainer of two-division world champion Danny Garcia

Porter W 12: Shawn Porter’s gonna come out applying pressure like he always does, and I’ve never seen Errol Spence deal with pressure like he’ll get in this one. Spence is used to backing people up and knocking ’em out.

 But I’ve never seen him have to fight while backing up when he’s been hit with flush punches. If this fight goes the distance, I see Porter winning.

 Julian Williams, Unified Super Welterweight World Champion

Spence W 12: Errol Spence-Shawn Porter is a 60-40 fight in Spence’s favor. Porter has trouble with guys who are physically strong and can hold him off, like Kell Brook, Danny Garcia and Yordenis Ugas.

 Spence is that type of guy who can hold off Porter and stand his ground in the center of the ring. Spence won’t run right through Porter, but I favor Spence in a really tight, entertaining, very competitive decision.

 Spence is the cleaner puncher, so Porter’s rough tactics won’t work on him. I see Spence winning a clear-cut decision, 8-to-4, or, 7-to-5 in rounds.

 Yordenis Ugas, top welterweight contender

Porter W 12: It is a great confrontation of two world champions. I think Errol Spence is a favorite because of the great fighter he has proven to be. But Shawn Porter is a tough fighter with a great resume and will fight hard until the final bell. I have no favorite in this 50-50 fight, but I lean toward Porter to win.

 Evander Holyfield, Hall of Famer

Spence MD 12: First of all, both fighters are good and each will be great one day. Styles make the difference, and it will be a great battle if both fighters perform like they usually do. But I’ve got Spence by majority decision.

 Robert Guerrero, former three-time world champion

Porter SD 12: This is a very difficult fight to call, but I’ve gotta go with Shawn Porter to beat Errol Spence. With Spence being as tall as he is, Porter can’t try to box like he did against Yordenis Ugas or Spence will pick him apart.

 Porter’s got that relentless pressure and stays busy with combination punching. One thing about Spence is he’s never had anybody in front of him like that.

 Erickson Lubin, super welterweight contender

Spence UD 12: Errol Spence is younger, stronger, fresher, bigger and punches harder than Shawn Porter, and all of that is gonna play a role in Spence winning by a unanimous decision.

Porter will have some success if he can make it a rough, dirty fight, but I still see Spence winning comfortably on the cards on September 28.

Tony Harrison, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion

Spence W 12: Errol Spence will have it tough making adjustments in the beginning but pull away after round six. Shawn Porter has gotta start strong and try to establish himself as dominant from round one, but he will be worn down. If it is stopped, that will come from Porters’ father in the corner.

Jose Benavidez Sr., trainer of former world super middleweight champion David Benavidez

Porter SD 12: Shawn Porter has the style, talent and aggression to make Errol Spence uncomfortable in the fight. It’s a 50-50 fight, but I believe that’s what he’s gonna do from the first round on, winning a decision. I’m going with Porter.

 Paulie Malignaggi, former two-division world champion

Spence Late-TKO: Shawn Porter relies on a physical presence but Errol Spence is a very big welterweight and that can nullify Porters’ physicality. Spence’s body punching is key.

 Robert Easter Jr., former lightweight champion

Spence W 12: I’ve been rolling with Errol Spence for a long time and I see no reason to stop now. I’ve got Spence beating Shawn Porter.

 Ruben Guerrero, trainer of former two-division world champion Robert Guerrero

Porter W 12: Errol Spence and Shawn Porter want this really badly, and it’s gonna be a close fight. I believe the one who is more aggressive wins the fight, so I’m picking Porter.

Sergey Lipinets, former world super lightweight champion

Spence W 12: Both guys are A-plus fighters, but given the fact that Shawn struggled with Yordenis Ugas, it’s obvious that he has a problem with tall and rangy fighters. Being a southpaw, Errol Spence will give Porter all he can handle and will most likely win.

Robert Garcia, trainer of former four-division world champion Mikey Garcia

Spence W 12: Shawn Porter is a very tough fighter who will come out pressuring as he always does, but I’ve really gotta go with Errol Spence by decision.

Austin Trout, former super welterweight world champion

Porter SD 12: Errol Spence’s style plays right into Shawn Porter’s, and I don’t think it’s going to be as easy for Spence as some people are thinking.

 We know Spence is very strong and has power, but Shawn got through the power of Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, so if he’s doing everything he’s supposed to, training-wise, I see Shawn eking out a decision.

Caleb Truax, former super middleweight world champion

Spence UD 12: Errol Spence against Shawn Porter is a rough, tough fight for the first five or six rounds, but I think Spence’s talent and skill level will be too much for Porter.

 Spence may not dominate or knock Porter out, but I do see him controlling the fight and winning a clear unanimous decision for the victory.

 Sergio Mora, former super welterweight world champion

Porter W 12: I really like this fight. Errol Spence’s pure power boxing versus Shawn Porter’s raw a

Expect Porter to maul Spence, not letting him get comfortable with cleaner punches. If Spence can’t control the tempo and hurt Porter coming in, I’m picking Porter for the upset decision. The referee will play a big role in the outcome of this one.

 Andre Berto, former two-time welterweight world champion

Spence W 12: I see Errol Spence beating Shawn Porter by decision. Shawn can’t try to box with Errol, who is a long, rangy southpaw. Shawn needs to go in there and do what he knows how to do, but I don’t think it will be enough aggression and grit. Any fight with Porter will be punishing. This is type of fight that can get out of control for the cleaner boxer.

Spence on Porter fight: ‘The winner of this fight is definitely going to be the best welterweight in the world’

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Unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion and Dallas hometown hero Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. hosted a media workout for fans Thursday at Texas Live! In Arlington, as he nears his welterweight title unification clash against “Showtime” Shawn Porter headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Spence met with fans and showed off his skills along with head trainer Derrick James at Thursday’s open to the public event, which also featured DJ Bay Bay from KKDA-FM in Dallas.

“Anyone who doubts me just motivates me to keep grinding and go even harder,” Spence said. “They can keep doubting me, but I’m going to stay focused and train hard.

“Everything I said I’d do in a fight I’ve done so far. I expect a knockout, and that’s what’s going to happen on September 28.”

According to Spence, the winner of this fight can call themselves the best fighter at 147.

“The winner of this fight is definitely going to be the best welterweight in the world. There’s no way around it. Being a unified champion and stamping my place in the division makes me even hungrier to win.

“I’m looking to make a statement by being the first person to knock Shawn out. I showed people that I have the great boxing skills against Mikey Garcia, and now I’m going to remind everyone about my power on September 28.”

Porter has been in with some best at 147, including former world champions, Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, but according to Spence, he is on a different level than those guys.

“I’m different than anybody Shawn’s ever fought. I’m not Keith Thurman, and I’m not Danny Garcia,” Spence said. “Shawn has been in a lot of close fights with great fighters, but I’m going to bring something he’s never seen before.”

The winner of this fight will be one of the best at 147, but until Spence or Porter fights WBO welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, we can’t call them the best in the welterweight division. Hopefully, that can happen in the future.