Shawn Porter vs. Kell Brook
Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
This is a tricky fight to predict, because we aren’t quite sure what to make of Brook, who is undefeated and has looked good, albeit against less-than-stellar competition. Porter is a beast, who will look to do exactly what he did to Paulie Malignaggi – steamroll his opponent. But Brook does seem effective at running his opponent into shots, something Porter needs to be wary of. He sometimes leaves himself wide open for counters. If Brook is the truth, Porter might have some serious issues here, but I expect him to do what he always does – outwork the guy in front of him. Porter by decision.
Prediction: Porter
Vincent Nolasco, Staff Writer
Kell Brook will have a small window of of opportunity in defeating Shawn Porter this Saturday night. From the start, Brook must be able to box from the outside and utilize the good jab that he possess. If Brook can successfully set up combinations then he will have a better chance of winning rounds throughout bout.
However, Porter is the strong puncher. He possess very good power and I just don’t see Brook winning the bout because Porter will cut off the ring and unload a serious offensive attack on Brook.
In the middle of the rounds, Porter will make the proper adjustment and will continue to attack and land heavy power shots to the body of Brook. In the late rounds, Brook will try to re-establish his jab but Porter will deny him.
Porter will be controlling the inside and entering the championships rounds, Porter will continue to display his power and relentlss attack as the referee will be make the decision to stop the bout.
Prediction: Porter
Rob Anthony, Contributing Writer
Kell Brook is a big name English fighter who has yet to face any major tests in boxing’s toughest division. Shawn Porter is a sturdy, strong battle tested undefeated champion that is coming off of obliterating Paulie Malinaggi in DC in a title defense in April. I believe Brook can be a guy who can compete with the best in the Welterweight division but a softer touch would have been a better choice for his first fight in the US.
Prediction: Porter
Gabriel Polanco, Staff Writer
This is a great match. Two undefeated welterweights fighting in a championship bout, hopefully this fight can wash away the sins of last weeks pathetic main event in Brooklyn. Kell Brook is fast, he is strong and he has very good boxing ability, but IMHO I believe Porter is just better. I would love to see “Special K” win a belt, I just know Porter’s hand speed and power will make the significant difference by not allowing Brook to use his size and fight his fight. I have Porter winning by a 12 UD.
Prediction: Porter
Donte Brown, Owner of Donte’s Boxing Gym, Contributing Writer
Shawn Porter will be VERY aggressive against Brook. This match is a showcase for Porter.
Prediction: Porter
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
I am choosing Shawn Porter, his unorthodox style in addition to his application of consistent pressure is something I think will give any legitimate welterweight problems. Even for someone like the undefeated Kell Brook, who is largely unknown to American fight fans.
Brook is a puncher on a four-fight streak of stoppages, so he definitely has the power to change the fight. The way Porter smothers his opponents, I don’t know if Brook will be able to get the leverage necessary to do so. Should Brook find it, he could hurt and possibly stop Porter, a guy not really accredited for defensive acumen.
Prediction: Porter
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is an interesting matchup of two young, undefeated Welterweights looking to break through to the elite level. A lot has been made of Kell Brook’s level of competition–or lack thereof–and while I agree with most of the skepticism, I believe it’s equally hard to know just how good Shawn Porter is.
Yes, Porter has come through on the world-class level against Devon Alexander and Paulie Malignaggi, but nothing that I’ve seen from either of those opponents really tells me what I need to know about Porter vs. Brook.
Brook is rangy, has decent pop and if his stamina holds up–which is a big if–I think he can surprise a lot of people and take the IBF strap back home across the pond. I think Porter will have some trouble early on as he tries to close the distance. He will certainly have to be disciplined in his attack and not get frustrated if Brook takes a few rounds early on. In the end, I think Porter wears Brook down for a late-round stoppage victory and looks toward more lucrative bouts at 147.
Prediction: Porter
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