Whichever way you slice it and whoever you feel will emerge victorious when they clash on March 12th in Connecticut, Shawn Porter Vs. Keith Thurman is a great, great match-up. The current welterweight division is stacked with talent and a number of equally good match-ups could/can be made. But Thurman against Porter, the defending WBA champion against the former IBF champion, is seen by most as a 50-50 affair as well as a possible Fight of The Year candidate.
Indeed, Porter himself says he agrees with those fans/experts who say the March 12th clash is a contest between the two best welterweights in the world.
“I do think that as well,” Porter told UK Boxing News when asked if he felt his upcoming fight puts together the two best 147-pounders currently operating. “With all the attributes he brings, he is a true champion, and I think I’ve shown that I’m a good champion too. So together, this is a great match-up and the winner, which I believe will be myself, will be recognised as the best in the world at welterweight.”
Fair enough. But who will win the fight next month? Thurman is a fast, mobile puncher, while Porter is a great inside fighter known for his relentless pressure and non-stop punching. Add up all the assets each fighter possesses and you have a fascinating, tough to pick a winner, showdown. Thurman is not the hardest guy in the world to hit and neither is Porter. Could this one come down to who has the better chin? Or maybe who has the better ability at holding a shot to the body? We all saw Thurman badly hurt by that Luis Collazo body shot not too long ago. Porter certainly saw it.
“Collazo did hurt him,” Porter told Boxing News. “I’ve seen other guys slow him down with that [body work]. So I will definitely be focusing on that. We’ll be ready and prepared for everything.”
Porter’s sole pro defeat came in a very close fight with Britain’s Kell Brook, who took the IBF title via debatable majority decision. Porter has added motivation against Thurman due to the very real possibility of a rematch with Brook coming off should he become a two-time champion.
“I’d definitely like a rematch with Brook,” Porter stated. “After I win the WBA title that’s one thing I’d like, to go for another title. I think a rematch would be even bigger than the first fight.”
Whoever wins on March 12th, his future fights will all be big. With the likes of Danny Garcia and Tim Bradley out there looking for massive fights, not forgetting Brook, the winner of Thurman and Porter will be more than willing to accommodate them. Further pleasing the fans as a result of these match-ups being made.
