In a sport as volatile as boxing, a consensus is rarely reached. However, the Welterweight division’s strength in recent years has been simply undeniable. It’s a division with rich history and importance, hosting some of the sport’s most memorable and enduring nights. As of late, that trend has only continued, with the 147 pound division only recently featuring iconic figures as well as some of this era’s finest rising stars. Errol Spence is certainly one of those names, arriving to great expectations after turning professional in 2012.
Spence eventually validated the hype too, dethroning Kell Brook on the road and scoring an impressive 11th round stoppage. Since then, Spence had defended his crown three times, including an emphatic unanimous decision win over the immensely skilled but admittedly undersized Mikey Garcia. That fight was a pivotal one within Spence’s career trajectory, featuring on PPV and competing at the AT&T Stadium. Though his route to the bright lights was somewhat delayed, Spence had now finally arrived, ready to truly state his case as the sport’s premium pound for pound fighter.
That journey would continue opposite ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter. Entering the bout as WBC Welterweight Champion, Porter was well-established at this level, previously holding the IBF title as well. However, that reign had ended at the hands of the aforementioned Brook and though Porter’s approach was rarely anything but admirable, a different perception surrounded his ceiling. While Spence had been dominating his competition, Porter had been embroiled in heated, closely contested affairs. In fact, Porter was entering the unification clash after two debated decision wins.
Those came opposite Yordenis Ugas and Danny Garcia respectively, resulting in the titleholder entering his bout with Spence as a major underdog. Considering his famously gritty and determined showings at this level, it was hard to dismiss Porter but on form alone, his underdog status was understandable. Those predictions didn’t deter the most important part of this equation though, as Porter’s belief remained fittingly unmoved. If that wasn’t clear in the pre-fight dynamic, it became immediately apparent once the first bell finally rung.
With darting attacks, Porter’s Pitbull approach was as committed as ever, lunging towards the initially composed Spence that stood in his way. Though Spence’s work was likely enough to earn him the early rounds, Porter’s output would only increase, creating a ragged affair inside Staples Center. Suddenly, those betting odds couldn’t feel less relevant, as Porter brought an almost staggering degree of disarray to this unification clash. Porter’s tactics were nothing new but opposite Spence, they were as impressive and bold as ever. The result? A pressure that Spence had simply never experienced before.
To his credit, Spence stood firm in response but it’s hard to match Porter’s comfort in that chaos. With that in mind, this fight was swiftly without a clear favorite, close on the scorecards and even closer inside the ropes. It was hard to be surprised by Porter’s efforts, reminiscent of his daring performance against Keith Thurman. That fight was key in altering Porter’s reputation. It solidified his status as a glaringly fearless figure, willingly wild regardless of the foe standing opposite him. Three years later and that spirit was clearer than ever, as a modern classic commenced.
To the surprise of many onlookers and perhaps even the man himself, Spence was suddenly embroiled in Shawn Porter’s fight, characteristically close and competitive. It was uncharted territory for the IBF titleholder but left with a choice to make, Spence’s decision was befitting his champion status. Refusing to relent, Spence stood his ground stubbornly, still using immense skill while showing grit and desperation along the way. Now more than ever, it was a battle of wills and in the 11th round, Spence scored a major breakthrough at last, dropping Porter with a brutal left hook.
Incredibly though, Porter’s body simply would not fall and after his glove briefly touched the canvas, ‘Showtime’ was inexplicably ready to continue. While most elite fighters are defined by moments of glittering offense and firepower, it’s hard to imagine that any instance will better capture Porter than this one. It just couldn’t be more fitting, an instinctual courage symbolic of Porter’s sheer defiance. However, though he fiercely returned fire, Porter was unable to halt Spence’s momentum, losing the fight’s closing moments as eventually, Spence left the ring as a split decision victor.
The verdict was unsurprisingly questioned by the less fortunate corner but in conclusion, Spence appeared a deserving winner. He had answered some of the toughest questions posed to him as a professional, battling through the fire and securing the final rounds. Though he’d never looked more human, Spence’s toughness had seldom been less debatable. This was truly a champion’s performance, finding a way even if at one juncture, his undefeated record appeared truly in question. Spence’s struggles may encourage his peers but his fortitude was undeniable, a new string to his championship bow.
For Porter, he’d once again managed to enhance his reputation in defeat. Though no longer the WBC Champion, Porter felt like anything but a loser after this enthralling 12 round affair. It was immediately a defining moment within Porter’s already impressive career, an inspired performance that left many pre-fight assessments appearing ignorant. I don’t think that’s an indictment of those predictions though but instead, a testament to Porter’s unique ability to rise to the occasion. A shining example of his bravery and the unwavering self-belief that supports it.
Though both men are currently at the peak of their powers, it’s hard to imagine that in history, this fight won’t be a major piece of their overall career puzzles. Beyond that, this battle felt like a potential moment in boxing time. The Welterweight division is quite possibly this era’s finest but talent alone doesn’t cement a generation’s place in history. For that feat, conflicts and clashes are required, battles that elevate the talent filling the division’s rankings. This fight was certainly that, hopefully one of many that’ll be pointed to when referencing this particular point in time.
That’s a conversation that’ll be had years down the line though as right now, it’s hard to be removed from the moment itself. This was the idealistic unification bout, a battle of men that at their core, had nothing but a belief and desire to win. Spence and Porter fought as advertised, like champions. Whether this is just chapter one of a significant tale or the solitary meeting between two of the era’s finest Welterweights, Spence and Porter made magic inside Staples Center. When elite skill requires this degree of will, greatness is usually the result.
It’s premature to reach that conclusion already but while watching the frenetic action unfold, it was hard to do anything but admire Errol Spence and Shawn Porter.
