Two-time world champion turned commentator, Shawn Porter, has had his say on the potential undisputed clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. There are strong indications that talks between the camps are progressing behind the scenes.
Speaking to Boxingscene.com at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s 10th Annual Gala Weekend, ‘Showtime’ made his pick for the battle of the heavyweights – although it certainly isn’t set in stone.
“I favour Fury in that I think. I don’t think we’ll see that fight, but I do favour Fury. I don’t know, know you’re going up against size and speed and power and boxing ability. All of those components that Usyk has that separates him from everybody else in the division don’t separate him from Fury. I think I might favour Fury in that. I might.”
Porter has shared a ring with Usyk before, albeit in the amateur game. In that fight, over four two-minute rounds, the American came out on top. However, he’s the first to admit that the Ukrainian champion has since made improvements.
“He was a good boxer back in the day when we fought [at] 165 lbs. I remember he was really smart. I think maybe, if anything, when we fought he was a southpaw and he just had those southpaw moves – he didn’t have anything special. Now, he’s got the feinting, now he’s got that rhythm and all that – when we fought he was more of just a southpaw, long, rangy boxer.”
Finally, the former welterweight named another heavyweight clash that he’s keen to see.
“When we get Usyk and Fury, I think that is the best boxing match that we can get a heavyweight. But I think in terms of keeping us on the edge of our seat, round after round, it’s Usyk and Wilder.”