Spence Beats Porter, Secures IBF and WBC Titles
Errol Spence Jr and Shawn Porter put on a welterweight title bout for the ages. With both the IBF and WBC titles on the line, Errol Spence edged out a split-decision victory over Porter. Spence now holds 2 of the 4 major titles in the welterweight division with Terrance Crawford holding the WBO title and Manny Pacquiao holding the WBA.
Spence vs Porter took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The bout delivered as both men approached the ring fully prepared. Aware of each other’s capabilities, it’s no wonder that the event was full of ‘back and forth.’
Are you not entertained!? Spence Jr and Porter are trading BIG shots as we are heading into the final few rounds 🔥
BUY #SpencePorter NOW ➡️ https://t.co/5Hmd7crh2X pic.twitter.com/1RICRbk8mD
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) September 29, 2019
As the fight progressed, Spence landed a knockdown in the 11th round. Commentators, analysts, and spectators all believe that the knockdown punch delivered secured the victory for Spence.
What. A. Punch. 😵@ErrolSpenceJr knocked down Porter in the 11th with this HUGE left hook to the chin en route to a split decision victory! #SpencePorter pic.twitter.com/41blsioONV
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) September 29, 2019
Edging Out a Tough Decision Win
The huge left hook stunned Porter and sent him on his way to the canvas, although never falling to the mat. The power hook was good enough to start a standing 10 count by the referee.
Spence went on to win the bout by split decision. The scorecards read two 116-111 scores for Spence while the third judge had it 115-112 for Porter.
In the post-fight interview, Spence praised Porter for his toughness.
“Shawn Porter is a rough and awkward fighter. He made it really awkward for me and I looked kind of sloppy in there and didn’t look how I wanted to look,” Spence said. “That’s a credit to Shawn Porter. He’s a rough, rugged fighter.”
What is Next For Spence
Spence also hinted at wanting his next bout to be against WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao won the title against former champion Keith Thurman. If that dream fight wouldn’t come to fruition, Spence also said he’s open to facing top contender and former WBA/WBC champion Danny Garcia.
WBO champion Terrance Crawford reacted towards the victory on Twitter.
🥘🥘🥘😋😋😋🤫🤫🤫
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) September 29, 2019
In the tweet, Crawford hinted at himself holding titles in the welterweight, light welterweight, and junior lightweight divisions. Clearly, the tweet was in response to Spence’s victory.
No matter what matchup happens next, the welterweight division is one of the most exciting that boxing has to offer. Everso evolving in his skillset, whoever Spence faces next will make for an incredible welterweight title fight.