Keith Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) vs. Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs) will be the first CBS primetime boxing event in 38 years. Saturday night at the Barclays Center, two of the best current welterweights in the business step into the ring to put their skills on display.
Thurman is a welterweight titlist and is ranked third by the Ring magazine in the welterweight division. In his fights leading up to this point, Thurman has proven that he has great potential and may be the future of the welterweight division.
On the other hand, Porter has already won a welterweight belt and is ranked just one spot behind Thurman per the Ring magazine rankings. Porter has also made a name for himself, gaining more popularity recently by upsetting Adrien Broner via unanimous decision.
Going into Saturday night’s fight, Thurman is the slight betting favorite, but it is a big gamble for both fighters. The welterweight division is one of the most competitive in the sport. Thurman is putting his belt as well as his undefeated record on the line, while Porter is risking taking another loss and falling further behind the divisions best.
No matter the outcome, we will likely see what the future holds for the welterweight division for years to come. Thurman vs. Porter is expected to be an extremely close and competitive fight–a stylistic clash.
Who will have the edge and come out on top?
Here are three keys to victory for Shawn “Showtime” Porter over Keith “One Time” Thurman.
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Jab His Way Inside
Shawn Porter has a very accurate and powerful jab, if he uses this weapon effectively Saturday night, it will increase his chances of coming out on top.
Porter’s jab made a huge difference in his fight against Adrien Broner. He used his jab to bulldoze his way inside, driving Broner backwards. By using his jab, he kept Broner on his back foot, which made Broner even more vulnerable, allowing Porter to continually land punishing shots.
If Shawn Porter uses his powerful jab against Keith Thurman, he will be able to keep Thurman backtracking. Porter’s jab will help him force Thurman up against the ropes much like he did against Broner.
If Porter uses his jab, he has the ability to open Thurman up to take more punishment and control not only the fighting range, but the pace of the fight as well.
Smart Pressure
Shawn Porter cannot afford to fight from three-quarter range or full-length range with Keith Thurman. If Porter fights from a distance, Thurman will be able to take complete control of the fight.
Porter needs to rush Thurman and use smart pressure in order to land crisp, clean power punches.
While using his ring IQ and pressuring Thurman with intelligence, Porter will be able to cut off the ring and make Thurman fight at close range.
Fighting at a close range, Porter will thrive.
Rough Thurman Up
Shawn Porter is not a dirty fighter by any means, but he has an extremely aggressive style of fighting. Porter should not neglect his aggressive style against Keith Thurman. He needs to rough Thurman up as much as possible in order to come out of this fight victorious.
Again, Porter has to be intelligent with his aggression, moving his head and throwing from angles. Porter needs to use his aggressive style to push Thurman up against the ropes this will allow Porter to work the body and land punishing overhand rights. Ultimately, Porter’s aggression will be a game changer.
In Thurman’s fight against Luis Collazo, Collazo was able to hurt Thurman at times by being aggressive and going to the body.
Collazo is a good fighter, but he isn’t on Porter’s level. Porter must come into Saturday night’s fight more aggressive than ever; he needs to make Thurman uncomfortable every minute of every round.
