Shawn Porter fought several world champions in his 36-fight career, and has recently been discussing which of them was the very best.
The popular welterweight fought over 250 rounds against the most recognisable names in his division, including Devon Alexander, from whom he took his first IBF world title, plus the likes of Danny Garcia, Andre Berto, Paul Malignaggi, Kell Brook, Adrien Broner and Yordenis Ugas before retiring in 2021.
Speaking to Boxing News, Porter first highlighted Keith Thurman when asked about his best opponent.
“I fought Keith Thurman in his prime. We were talking about it just the other day. This guy says I don’t think we saw Keith reach this prime. And I said well if you really look at it his prime was me. His prime was Danny Garcia. After that injuries.
After that the loss of focus and different things of that nature. After that, I think right there was his prime. Keith Thurman in his prime is an amazing boxer.”
He then moved on to talking about Errol Spence Jr, to whom he lost on a split decision in 2019.
“Errol Spence Jr, you can’t deny anything about that kid. I really do think I got him at the perfect time. I really think he hadn’t gone through just enough in the sport to learn about himself in order to kind of you know nullify some of the things I was able to do in the ring. In many ways, I really had my way in that fight or a lot of that fight.”
Then discussions turn to another pound-for-pounder in Terrence Crawford, whom Porter calls “one of the most athletic and cerebral fighters I’ve been in the ring with.”
When pushed for one name, he settles on ‘Bud’ Crawford.
“I take Errol out first because again I don’t think Errol was everything that he is now. I think he’s better now than he was when he fought me.
I mean it’s between Keith and Terrence and I think I’ll go with Terence. I think Terrence is just a little bit stronger mentally maybe. That’s a tough one. Hard to call.”
The boxing world will find out who is the best of two of the fighters mentioned when Spence Jr and Crawford face off in Las Vegas on July 29 live in the UK on TNT Sports Box Office and Showtime PPV in the US.