With the welterweight division being jam packed with talent, it is easy for boxers to get lost in the crowd. But Showtime Shawn Porter has a resume that simply can’t be overlooked. Before looking ahead to his March 9, 2019 match vs Yordenis Ugas, let’s take a look back at 5 notable Shawn Porter matches.
- The Title Fight (Porter vs Alexander)
Devon Alexander, who held the IBF Welterweight title coming into this fight, was having trouble securing an opponent. There were talks of a Kell Brook fight, but it was canceled three times, for injury and other reasons. Then he was set to battle Amir Khan, who then opted out of the fight for an opportunity to fight Floyd Mayweather.
Although Shawn Porter was 22-0 at this time, his best fights were still ahead of him, and he came into this fight largely the underdog. Alexander, when asked about Porter, said he had a “sparring mentality” dismissing Porter as a guy who could never be the champ, but could at least hope to help another guy on his path to becoming champ.
https://youtu.be/sTCfbk6rzfI
Alexander was considered the smarter, more talented boxer and there was doubt that Porter could compete. But compete he did. Porter came into the fight busy and aggressive, imposing his will on Alexander and dictating the style and pace of the fight.
Porter had a solid 3rd round where he appeared to be 1 punch from a knockout. Porter continued to charge forward, throwing punches in bunches and Alexander wasn’t able to neutralize him. In the end, Porter won by unanimous decision, with the Judges scoring it 115-113, 116-112, and 116-112 respectively.
- The First Title Defense (Porter vs Malignaggi)
This 2014 fight was Shawn Porter’s first defense of his IBF Welterweight title. Paulie came into the fight at 33 years old, with a record of 33-5. Paulie came into this fight off a split decision loss to Adrien Broner and a win vs Zab Judah.
Porter, always the aggressor, used his jab effectively and forced Paulie into a brawl. Paulie’s corner begged for him to stop brawling (a style that favors Porter) and start boxing, but Porter imposed his will, controlling the entire fight. Paulie was hurt as early as the second round and the fight was stopped after a vicious knockdown in the 4th.
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