Photo by Al Bello
For Shawn Porter (24-0-1 15 KOs), there is nothing special about Kell “The Special One” Brook (32-0, 22 KOs).
In a recent roundtable discussion with members of the media, Porter spoke confidently about his August 16 IBF title defense against Brook, which will take place at the Stubhub Center in Carson, CA.
The bout will be the main event of a Showtime triple-header that will also feature Omar Figueroa (23-0-1, 17 KOs) defending his WBC Lightweight title against Daniel Estrada (32-2-1, 24 KOs) and Sakio Bika (32-5-3, 21 KOs) defending his WBC Super Middleweight title in a rematch against Anthony Dirrell (26-0-1, 22 KOs).
Porter acknowledges that Brook’s European style will make the fight interesting, but that it’s nothing special. In fact, he’s having a hard time seeing what challenges Brook will bring.
“I’ve watched a lot of film on this guy and I’m still trying to figure it out. They call him special K and I’m still trying to find something special. I haven’t seen it yet,” said Porter.
Porter’s confidence seems to be made in part by his strong relationship with his father, his moving to the Welterweight division, and a tough upbringing in Northeast Ohio.
Porter understands that there are hardships in many parts of the country, but that in Northeast Ohio, it is especially pervasive.
“We literally scrap for everything we want. My dad scrapped for me so I didn’t have to. But, along the way, I’ve always learned and saw what he didn’t want me to go through. That way, I would never have to go through it,” said Porter.
Porter’s comments echoes the mindset of young men and women from underprivileged neighborhoods who, despite their circumstances, make it out of poverty with the help of loving parents.
Whether in South Los Angeles, California or in Brooklyn, New York, a loving relationship between a father and son goes a long way in building a young man’s boxing career, despite a tough upbringing.
It is the relationship with his father and trainer, Kenny Porter, that has made this veritable boxing duo a successful one. And it is this relationship that made Porter a world champion.
“It’s a great relationship. We’re together all the time. There’s so much that we’ve done together to get this far that we both have agreed that we don’t want to change anything,” said Porter.
Indeed, after an amateur career in which he beat the likes of Demetrius Andrade and Daniel Jacobs, and almost made it into the 2008 Olympic team, Porter realizes that what has gotten him this far in his career cannot be changed drastically.
One change, however, was necessary.
Before finishing his amateur career, Porter fought at 165 pounds, cutting down to Junior Middleweight at the start of his professional career and eventually down to Welterweight.
Who helped him make that decision?
“My dad did. He saw the way the boxing world was working. He saw that everything was moving to the Welterweight division and he thought that I’d be the most successful at this weight,” said Porter.
Indeed, after having fought such large opponents for much of his amateur career, there isn’t too much Porter can be afraid of.
Porter went from fighting 165-pounders in the amateurs to fighting 147-pounders in professional fights.
“I don’t think that necessarily plays a big role, but, if I were to say right now, getting in the ring with Kell Brook, I would say I’m looking at you like you’re the little guy and I’m just going to overpower you and wear you out,” Porter concluded.
