By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com recently caught up with former IBF welterweight champion "Showtime" Shawn Porter to get his take on the mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao that is currently being negotiated for May 2nd. The fight appears to be closer to being finalized than at anytime in the past 5 years. With that being said, Porter said that he stopped paying attention and won't get excited about the prospects of the most lucrative fight in boxing history until the contracts are signed,"
"What is going to happen, man?" Said Porter asking about the current state of negotiations. "I honestly thought it wouldn't happen and I told myself that I wouldn't pay attention to it until it is signed. I just pay attention to my own career."
As for picking a winner, Porter said that it is a close fight but that he leans towards Pacquiao because of the variety in the Filipino's aresnal.
"For me I think that (Manny) is the favorite because he is a little more versatile than Floyd at this point in his career. I think Floyd likes to use his defense and counter punch while Manny does a little bit of everything and does it from a southpaw position. That is a great fight and hopefully I get the winner," Porter explained.
Porter had previously sparred with Pacquiao and is very confident that he can upend the 8 division champion. He is just as confident that he can dethrone the current pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. as well.
The Al Haymon advised fighter isn't going to sit back and wait for either of those fights. He said that he takes it one fight at a time and will continue to work hard to prove he belongs at the elite level.
"Just being in the ring with Manny I know that I can compete with him and beat him. Even though I lost my last fight it doesn't matter. I am still healthy and still fit and I can beat him. Also going up against a legend like Floyd Mayweather, you can't pass that up. I had been told I would get the opportunity and then told I wouldn't so I am not banking on fighting either of those guys but I would love (either fight)," Porter told BoxingScene.com.
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