Porter Says Brook is Not Special, Will Feel Pressure

By Edward Chaykovsky

IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter (24-0-1, 15 KOs) says his mandatory challenger, Kell Brook (32-0, 22 KOs) of UK, does not live up to his nickname. Porter found nothing special about the boxer known as "The Special One." Their fight will headline a Showtime televised tripleheader on Saturday night from the storied StubHub Center in Carson, California. 

"I'm not concerned about Kell Brook. Earlier today, people were asking me about his power, and I don't have much to say about that other than that I haven't seen anything on film that makes him different from anybody else," Porter said.

Traveling across the ocean to face the champion on home soil, Porter believes the overall scenario will affect Brook's mental state in the fight.

"I believe that Brook will feel the added pressure in this being his first title fight. I handled it great. I welcomed it and loved it going into my first title fight. I'm not sure if he has the same personality to handle the extra pressure. I do know there will be a big crowd out there and I can't wait. The West Coast is hot and the crowd gets loud. I'm ready," Porter said.