Thurman is aching to break out of the shadows of Floyd Mayweather Jr. making his own path to stardom; he’s demonstrated destructive power and good boxing skills to run through the likes of Diego Chaves, Jesus Soto Karass, Robert Guerrero, and Luis Collazo. Now he meets his toughest opponent to date in Shawn Porter. Even as a champion, Thurman has yet to prove he’s one of the faces to take over the sport and bring it to new heights, a win over Porter will dissipate all doubts.
Porter’s rise in the welterweight division began with a championship performance against Devon Alexander to claim the IBF belt, followed by a four round destruction of former champion Paulie Malignaggi. Porter went on to lose his title facing the excellent Kell Brook but bounced back with strong wins versus Erick Bone and Adrian Broner. Porter now heads into Saturday’s fight to keep his win streak alive against a rising champion in his physical prime.
Thurman vs Porter is one of the best matchups of the year, pitting in the ring two welterweights at the peak of their fighting career, while meshing contrasting styles. In the physical aspect, Porter brings an advantage but lacks on the boxing skill. Thurman is clearly the superior boxer, possessing good lateral movement and showing more diversification in his game. I expect 12 rounds where Porter will try to rush and trap Thurman and imposed his strength but the champion’s tactical approach will keep him away from danger to box his way to a split decision win.
There’s more at stake than just a title belt, the winner of Saturday’s match will come out on top as the top fighter in the welterweight division along with champion Kell Brook. Down the line, the win will open doors to big showdowns against other names like WBC champion Danny Garcia or rising sensation Errol Spence Jr.
Saturday night tune in to PBC for Thurman-Porter!