By Ryan Burton
22-year-old junior middleweight prospect Shawn "Showtime" Porter (11-0) spoke to BoxingScene.com about his 4th round TKO victory over Jerome Ellis this past Saturday night at Fitzgeralds Hotel and Casino in Tunica, MS. Porter, who was one of Manny Pacquiao's key sparring partners for Pacquiao's recent win over Miguel Cotto spoke about that experience and also what he has planned for 2010 in this BoxingScene.com exclusive interview.
BoxingScene.com: First off congratulations on the win over Jerome Ellis. What are your thoughts on your fight?
Shawn Porter: It was a pretty good fight for me last night. I got some rounds in last night. I had a tough opponent in front of me and I got the win so I would call it a good night.
BoxingScene.com: Were you surprised you got the knockout?
Shawn Porter: No not really. Near the end of the 4th round I thought I was getting to him and I thought it would continue that way. I didn't think it would go the distance and I thought the end was coming pretty soon. I was actually surprised that he quit on his stool after the 4th but I thought I would be getting him out of there soon.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have any other fights planned this year or are
you going to rest up and start up early next year?
Shawn Porter: We are just waiting on the calls. We are waiting on something probably on Showtime this December and they might have something for me in Feburary on ESPN so I should be back in the ring soon.
BoxingScene.com: How did you get the nickname Showtime?
Shawn Porter: My dad gave it to me when I was real young. I grew up with the name. Everybody loves it. I love the name. So now I go by Showtime Shawn Porter. When I go in the gym they are all cool with it.
BoxingScene.com: What was it like sparring and training with Manny Pacquiao?
Shawn Porter: It was a great experience. It was great from the training to being in the Phillipines. It was another world. It was great.
BoxingScene.com: I know you were taking punches from Manny with headgear on but tell us how hard does he really hit?
Shawn Porter: He hits pretty hard. He roughed Cotto up pretty good. I was lucky enough to not take too many shots when I sparred with him.
BoxingScene.com: Were you surprised at how he beat Cotto?
Shawn Porter: I was. With Cotto being the bigger stronger guy I thought he would be able to withstand a lot of those shots. Manny was hitting him hard to that last round. That really was a great fight.
BoxingScene.com: What is the plan for 2010? Are you going to try to get another 7-8 fights in before you step up the competition?
Shawn Porter: Yeah I think so. I think I will stay busy then hopefully towards the end of the year I will get a shot at a title.
BoxingScene.com: What fighter did you look up to when you were growing up?
Shawn Porter: Well now I would say Pacquiao. I gained so much knowledge from him just by being in the gym with him. I was lucky to be able to see how he trains and prepares. It was an experience I will never forget.
BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Shawn Porter: Just keep looking out and root for me.
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