Errol Spence

Errol Spence vs. Shawn Porter Fight Preview

Spence vs. Porter

On Saturday, Sept. 28, a highly-anticipated Welterweight title unification bout is set to take place as IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (25-0, 21 KOs) is scheduled to meet WBC titleholder “Showtime” Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs).

Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

On Saturday, September 28, 2019 a highly-anticipated Welterweight title unification bout is set to take place as IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (25-0, 21 KOs) is scheduled to meet WBC titleholder “Showtime” Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs).

The bout, which will provide further clarity as to who the best 147 pounder in the world is, will take place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and be broadcast live on FOX Pay-Per-View. 

The 29-year-old Spence has long been considered to be the next great American star in the sport of boxing and for good reason. A representative of the United States in the 2012 Olympic games, Spence, who was named the Prospect of the Year by ESPN in 2015, has continuously risen through the ranks and currently resides near the top of many pound-for-pound lists. 

Boasting a perfect professional record of 25-0, Spence has passed every test put in front of him throughout his professional career thus far. That resume, which features 21 victories by knockout, includes notable wins over the likes of Chris Algieri, Kell Brook, Lamont Peterson and most recently, Mikey Garcia.

Against Porter, The Truth will not only be looking to add another title to his collection, but he’ll be aiming to defend his IBF strap for the fourth-straight time. 

Stylistically, Spence, who typically fights out of the southpaw stance, is a well-rounded and dynamic boxer. An athletic combatant, Spence has often found success thanks to a strong jab, the fact that he possesses power in both hands, and because of his ability to viciously mix up his attack to both the head and the body. 

In addition, Spence also relies on lightning-fast hands, ring intelligence and high-level defense 

Porter, a two-time Welterweight titlist, meanwhile, has had a bit of an up-and-down road over the last few years.

He’s suffered disappointing losses to Brook and Keith Thurman, but he’s also earned wins over fighters like Devon Alexander, Paulie Malignaggi, Adrien Broner, Andre Berto and Danny Garcia on his way to amassing a 30-2-1 professional record that features 17 victories by knockout.

His win over Garcia in 2018, which won him the vacant WBC title, undoubtedly ranks as the biggest win of his career, though he followed it up with a successful–albeit lackluster–title defense over Yordenis Ugas in a bout that could have gone either way. 

Stylistically, Porter is the opposite of Spence in many ways. While he certainly can box, Showtime prefers to put a large amount of pressure on his opponents, using his physicality and aggressiveness to get on the inside and make things a bit dirty. 

In terms of how this fight is expected to play out, there seem to be a few determining factors at play. 

For example, Porter, who fights out of the orthodox position, has never shied away from a challenge and it’s assumed that he’ll bring the fight to Spence and provide The Truth with a stiff test. And while Spence has been marketed as a top pound-for-pound talent, he’s likely never faced a true Welterweight the caliber of Porter. 

It’s important to note, however, that Porter will be giving up a bit of size in terms of height and reach. Porter also had trouble making weight and came in with a questionable game plan in his last fight. He’s only getting older and anything less than his best won’t cut it against Spence. 

If Porter does indeed come in shape and fight smart, I don’t doubt that he’ll give Spence some difficulties here and there and make it a close fight.

As the fight drags on, however, I tend to lean towards Spence, as I see The Truth being too long, too fast and too skilled. I expect Spence to pull away as the rounds tick away en route to a decision victory.

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