Shawn Porter
Shawn Christian Porter is an American sports commentator and former professional boxer who competed from 2008 to 2021. He was a two-time welterweight world champion, having held the IBF title from 2013 to 2014 and the WBC title from 2018 to 2019. Porter was particularly known for his aggressive pressure fighting style, physical strength, chin, and high workrate.
Early life
Porter is the third youngest of four siblings and was involved in boxing since the age of five. He credited his early entry into the sport to his father's influence, seeing it as a way to guide him and his siblings towards a positive path. Porter reflected that it was not until he reached the age of 10 or 11 that he began to comprehend the importance of boxing, as his initial motivation centered primarily on competing for trophies rather than a true interest in the sport.Amateur career
As an amateur, Porter competed mostly as a middleweight and compiled an astounding amateur record of 276–14. In 2007 he won the United States Golden Gloves Championship, but at the PanAm Games Porter was knocked out in the second round by Cuban Emilio Correa. Though he boasts amateur victories over current pro prospects Daniel Jacobs, Demetrius Andrade, Edwin Rodriguez, Shawn Estrada, Jonathan Nelson, and Oleksandr Usyk he came up just short in qualifying for the 2008 U.S. Olympics team. Porter is a graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School. There he earned all conference in football his junior and senior year.Professional career
Early career
Trained and managed by his father Kenny, Porter began his pro career at lbs on October 3, 2008, at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland, US. His opponent was Norman Johnson. Porter won the fight via first-round TKO. In his 5th professional fight, Porter faced off against 31 year old Cory Jones on February 6, 2009. Porter won the fight after 4 rounds via unanimous decision. Jones was knocked down twice in round 1. On April 3, 2009, Porter defeated Eloy Suarez via 1st-round TKO. Porter backed Suarez in a corner, landed several right hand power punches and sent him to the canvas. Suarez beat the count, but was out on his feet. The referee waved a halt at 2:59 of round 1.In August 2009, Porter moved down to 154 lb, defeating Lamar Harris at the Fitzgerald's Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. In December 2009, Porter took on undefeated 27-year-old Jamar Patterson at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota, in a scheduled 8-round fight. Porter won the fight after the referee waved off the fight in round 4 after Porter knocked down Patterson.
Rise up the ranks
Porter won his first Championship belt, the Interim WBO NABO Light Middleweight title against Russell Jordan on ESPN's Friday Night Fights on February 19, 2010. Jordan was deducted a point in 9th round after losing mouthpiece twice as the bout went full 10 rounds. The scorecards read 97–92, 97–92, 100–89. On April 16, 2010, he knocked out veteran Raul Pinzon in just one round. In July, Porter beat 24-year-old Ray Robinson via unanimous decision at DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi.NABF welterweight champion
On October 15, 2010, Porter moved down to 147lbs. His first opponent was American Hector Munoz at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. It was for the NABF welterweight title, left vacant by Saul Alvarez. Munoz was cut on the right side of his head by a barrage of punches in round 5. During round 9, Porter's promoter, Gary Shaw, ran over to Munoz's corner pleading for them to stop the fight which they finally agreed and threw in the towel at 2:05 of round 9.On February 18, 2011, Porter successfully defended his title against Anges Adjaho via 10 round unanimous decision. The fight was on the undercard of Fernando Guerrero vs. Derrick Findley and was part of the first-ever televised live boxing card in 3D. At 144 lbs, Porter was fighting at the lightest weight of his professional career to date. Adjaho entered having lost four of his previous six bouts and having not won in just over two years.
NABO welterweight champion
In April 2012, after over a year out, Porter stopped veteran journeyman Patrick Thompson in round 6. Porter claimed the vacant WBO NABO welterweight title by defeating Alfonso Gómez on July 28 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. This was the first fight for Gómez since suffering a sixth-round knockout loss to Saul Alvarez ten months prior. Porter overcame a cut above his right eye in the opening round and a nasty gash in the tenth that spanned his left eyebrow to remain unbeaten. The judges scored the bout 98–92, 96–94, 97–93.Porter vs. Díaz I, II
On December 15, Porter fought on the undercard of Khan-Molina at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles against veteran Mexican former world champion Julio Díaz. The fight ended in a split decision draw after 10 rounds 96–94, 95–95, 94–96. Porter started the fight well winning the opening few rounds. It appeared as though Díaz was taking the opening rounds to adjust to Porter's style as he started to attack following the fourth round with body shots, which landed accurately.On May 18, 2013, Porter fought undefeated Canadian Phil Lo Greco at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Porter won the fight after 10 rounds winning a unanimous decision 99–89, 100–88, 100–88.
On August 18, 2013, it was announced that Porter would be part of a triple header on Fox Sports 2 on September 12, headlining against Julio Díaz in a rematch. Porter improved his record to 22–0–1 after defeating Díaz by decision, retaining the NABO title and winning the vacant IBF North American title as a result. At the end of 10 rounds, the judges scored it. Although it was still a tough fight, Porter put the work in and beat Díaz convincingly.