By Victor Salazar
New York, New York - Later tonight, Shawn Porter (26-1, 16KOs) will have his biggest fight to date when he takes on WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman (26-0, 22KOs). Although the fight has been wanted for more than a year or so, the two men will finally share a ring at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Both man are coming off long layoffs and according to the trainer and father of Shawn Porter, Ken Porter, that’s the nature of the sport.
“I don’t like waiting but it’s what we have to do,” Porter told BoxingScene.com. “The time is almost here and we’ll be ready to find out who the champion is on Saturday.”
The trainer is not concerned about any ring rust from his son because Shawn is always prepared and focused.
“He’s a different individual,” Porter said. “I’m blessed to have that type of athlete and person. He doesn’t allow things to distract him. He’s not bothered by questions but he’s focused and ready to go.”
Both camps have been friendly throughout the process because of the relationships between fighters and trainer but in this sport Porter says you have to fight your friends from the start.
“You have to fight guys from your own city and your own team,” Porter explained of fighting people you know. “Shawn fought his brother in an amateur boxing match. He’s beating guys and they still friends after.”
Porter wants to win Saturday night and then the talks of future fights can commence.
“Our focus is on the moment. We can really talk about how big this fight is or unifying because the most important thing is winning the fight Saturday night. We can answer those questions on Saturday.”
Shawn Porter told BoxingScene that he felt an impressive performance could bring Floyd Mayweather Jr. (49-0, 26KOs) out of retirement. His father disagrees.
“I don’t think Floyd Mayweather is coming out of retirement to fight Shawn Porter. He’s a smart business man and I respect him for that. If he decides to come out, he will fight for the best money fight and advantageous to him. So I don’t think that will happen with us. “
