Spence: Shawn Porter Will Be Tough Test For Me in Classic Fight

Shawn Porter has a propensity for being a rough and rugged fighter and bringing a tough fight in the pocket to his opponents. (photo by Ryan Hafey)

Errol Spence, his opponent Saturday night at Staples Center, is an aggressive southpaw who knows he’ll have to equally walk down the come-forward fighter if he plans on putting on a winning performance like many believe.

However the fight plays out, Spence knows it won’t be easy. 

“I think Shawn Porter is going to test me,” Spence told BoxingScene.com. “It’s going to be a tough fight, but I’m confident in my abilities. It’s going to be a battle of the wills and IQ, and the smarter fighter will win.”

Spence pointed to reaction time and elusiveness as two key characteristics he’ll have to perfect during the fight to abstain from Porter’s pressing attack. Spence said he will step up to Porter, move side-to-side and use different angles with his jab.

“You have to make shifts all of the time, even if the fight is going your way. I’m sure the momentum will swing his way at one point, and it will be a classic fight,” said Spence. “I’m fighting for the WBC belt, which is the most prestigious one, and the one I really want.”

The fight will introduce a new unified champion in the welterweight division. Spence holds the IBF strap, Porter sports the WBC title. It will be Spence’s second Fox pay per view in the last six months, compared to Porter’s first.

"I don't just want to challenge Errol Spence Jr.,” said Porter. “I took on this fight because I want to be the guy who beats him and takes his zero [from his record]. I think Kell Brook challenged him, but I'm here to have my hand raised at the end of the night."

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com and currently does TV commentary for combat sports programming that airs on Fox Sports.  He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk.akopyan@gmail.com.