Shawn Porter believes he holds the blueprint for Anthony Joshua in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter known as ‘Showtime’ has not been seen in the ring since retiring after a 10th round TKO loss to Terence Crawford. The 34-year-old had a glistening career, being crowned world champion twice at 147lbs. As well as this, Porter boasted a stellar amateur career, putting together a record of 276-14.
It’s in his amateur days which he produced one of the best wins of his career, as he got one over on the current unified world heavyweight champion in 2006.
Speaking to K.O. Artists Sports on his win against Usyk, Porter said:
“It was a boxing match man, four two-minute rounds. We were fighting on the computer points system. Most of you guys don’t know much about it. I wouldn’t even try to explain it right now.”
“It was very close, it was a two-point spread or something, it was close.”
“I’ve said it multiple times, if I ever come across that video the first thing, I’ll do is hit up Usyk, make sure he’s okay with us putting it out and try figure out a way for us to both make money putting it out cause it’s four two-minute rounds. It’s quick, but there is greatness within it. I promise you.”
With the rematch set to happen on August 20 in Jeddah live on Sky Sports Box Office, Joshua has been looking to refine every detail in order to approach Usyk more ready than ever.
As part of this, the Brit has split with long-time trainer Rob McCracken to work under the tutelage of Robert Garcia.
With no one knowing what to expect from Joshua when he enters the ring in just over a weeks time, Porter explains how he sees the Watford-born heavyweight winning the contest.
“I think that having Robert Garcia in the corner, it works because Joshua has to be offensive in this fight. I think if he’s offensive and stays offensive he beats Usyk.”
“He’s big and he’s got some skill. I don’t think he was able to implement his size along with the skill in the fight. Him trying to be skilful, he held back his offence and obviously in turn was unable to use his size.”
“So, I think for him, they’ve all got to work together. He’s got to be offensive, he can’t be afraid to get hit, and he’s got to use his size, that’s it.”