The definition of word ‘phenom’ – formally ‘phenomenon’ – is somebody who is outstandingly talented or admired; a star. Shawn Porter doesn’t like to see it overused in boxing.
It is often thrown around in the sport when the latest hot prospect lands a highlight reel KO, so much so that receiving the accolade has been somewhat diluted in recent years.
Since hanging up the gloves in 2021, Shawn Porter spends his time both working as an analyst for ESPN, and hosting his own podcast where he interviews the biggest names from the world of boxing.
And on a recent episode of ThePorterWay, the former welterweight world champion revealed who he believes were the only two ‘phenoms’ from his era.
“In my era, in the sport of boxing, I heard that word thrown around a lot – and I won’t name names – but I was thinking, he’s not a phenom.”
“There were two – Floyd Mayweather and ‘S.O.G.’ – Andre Ward. Those were the two phenoms. If you want to compare and think somebody could be phenom, look at those two resumes. But beyond the professional stuff – ya’ll go [way back.]”
Mayweather and Ward both retired without ever tasting the bitter pill of defeat and having won world titles in multiple weight classes.
Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya and Marcos Maidana are amongst the biggest names on Mayweather’s glittering resume, whilst Ward got the better of Sergey Kovalev twice, Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler during his stint as a pro.
Mayweather has had a host of exhibitions since his retirement, something Ward has managed to avoid up until this point. However, he admitted recently he would be open to the idea, and even touted YouTuber Jake Paul as a possible opponent.