Boxing
Shawn Porter gives slight edge to Errol Spence Jr. over Danny Garcia on Nov. 21
Shawn Porter is far from a stranger to Danny Garcia and Errol Spence Jr., having defeated Garcia via unanimous decision in September 2018, before dropping a split decision to Spence a year later.
So, if there's anyone qualified to weigh in on Spence defending his unified welterweight championship against Garcia on Nov. 21, it's "Showtime." Plus, the 32-year-old has a vested interest in the bout, considering he could face the Spence-Garcia winner with a victory over Sebastian Formella in their WBC/IBF title eliminator Saturday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
That being said, when DAZN News asked the former two-time welterweight champion about who he favors in that bout, Porter gave the slight nod to Spence.
"I love the style of matchup," he told DAZN News as part of a media conference call Thursday. "Both guys have contrasting styles. Both guys have power in both hands. I think Errol Spence Jr. has a little bit more weapons, which is why I think he may very well win the fight. But let's not forget that Danny Garcia is a multi-world champion. I think he's coming to take those belts."
Porter also added that although he slightly favors Spence to win, it depends on how the unified welterweight champ looks, considering this will mark Spence's first bout since his horrific single-vehicle car crash in October. Spence was originally slated to fight Garcia in January before that accident erased those plans. Porter believes the months that have passed since will make the wait all the more worth it when the two finally clash.
"I think it's an even greater fight now than it would have been back in January when they were supposed to fight," Porter said. "Between Errol Spence Jr. coming off an insane car accident and Danny usually just doing what he does, just taking his time to get back into the ring, I think that fight would have been premature in January."
Porter insists that he's been putting in the same work in preparing for Formella than he did with the likes of Spence and Garcia to secure a rematch with either next year.
That, and he doesn't seem overly concerned about Formella (22-0, 10 KOs), who will be making his U.S. debut Saturday night.
"He has more of an amateur rhythm because he's not going to come (forward), he's not going to stand in the middle of the ring," said Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs), who's known for his smothering style. "I don't think he's the type of fighter who could slip, counter the way some fighters can in the professional ranks."
