Home Boxing News Shawn Porter promises to give Terence Crawford his toughest test

Shawn Porter promises to give Terence Crawford his toughest test

Shawn Porter. Photo credit: Getty Images

Former two-time welterweight world champion Shawn ‘Showtime’ Porter 31-3-1 (17) is ready to reclaim a piece of the 147-pound crown when he take on WBO welterweight champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford 37-0 (28) at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 20.

The 33-year-old has fought just once since his close split decision loss to WBC and IBF champion Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr 27-0 (21) two years ago. Porter was up 115-112 one card and trailing 111-116 on the other two after being dropped during the 11th frame.

The only other losses on his ledger were to Keith Thurman with scores of 115-113 across the board and a majority decision against a then-red-hot Kell Brook.

Southpaw Crawford, 33, is widely considered one of the top three pound-for-pound boxers in the world. He has settling into the welterweight division nicely since moving up in weight three years ago following a terrific run at junior welterweight that saw him unify all four major world titles.

Crawford is a tough out for anyone, but the battle-tested Porter sees the fight as just another opportunity to prove he is willing to mix it with the best.

“The best thing about me is I’m constantly fighting and beating the top guys in the division,” Porter said to Zenger News.

“My mindset is to stay healthy, continue getting into the ring with the best guys in the world and putting on the best performances.

“Right now, in terms of the calibre of the opponent and timing, Terence Crawford is the pinnacle. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Porter was hoping to land a rematch against Spence following their competitive first bout.

“At one point in time it was Errol Spence and obviously we know how our fight played out,” he said.

“But due to [Spence’s] injuries sustained in the [car] accident and his eye [injury], that decreases the intensity of what could happen in a rematch between us.

“If you’re talking about everyone who is considered to be the number one guy at welterweight, there are things I’ve displayed consistently that translate into me being that number one guy.

“When it comes to resiliency and staying power, there is no one in the division better than I am.

“My whole thing has always been that ‘until I’m done with this, I’m going to get the most out of it.’

“My saying is to ‘Ride until the wheels fall off.’ I don’t feel as if my wheels are anywhere close to falling off.”

Retired former world champion turned ESPN pundit Tim Bradley is expecting an exciting fight.

“It’s going to be a very difficult fight for both guys,” Bradley said to ESPN. “Both have their advantages, Porter being a really busy guy and Crawford showing his impeccable timing.

“For me, Crawford is a once-in-a-generation talent. His skillset and his mindset is what makes him who he is and it’s gonna be tough to beat him but Porter brings the style that could do just that.”