Porter: Past Opponent More Challenging Than Brook

By Edward Chaykovsky

Kell Brook (32-0, 22KOs) views IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter (24-0-1, 15KOs) as his biggest test to date, but the feeling is not mutual. Porter believes opponents like Devon Alexander, Paulie Malignaggi, Alfonso Gomez and Julio Diaz presented bigger challenges. Porter also ended other unbeaten runs, like handing Phil Lo Greco his first defeat last May.

This Saturday it's sink or swim time for Brook, who takes a step up in class when he faces Porter at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Showtime will televise.

“I don’t know if he is the toughest opponent I’ve faced yet. His record would say that he is, but if you take a look at the caliber of fighters that I’ve fought before him, I think the other guys are more challenging fighters, especially Devon Alexander, who has an awkward and complicated style. Not to call Kell Brook plain, but he has a more up-and-down style that will be easier to deal with," Porter said.

“This fight will be pure entertainment for the crowd, and I love to entertain the crowd and my fans. I have played this fight in my head thousands of different times from going the distance to me knocking him out with one punch."