Contrary to popular belief, size doesn’t matter; just ask Shawn Porter’s opponents.
The 22-year-old Porter first laced up a pair of gloves at age 8 and through hard work and dedication, became one of the most decorated U.S. amateur boxers of the 21st century.
Dubbed as “Showtime” for his exciting style, Porter won more than 260 amateur fights with only 11 losses, capturing the 2007 World Golden Gloves Tournament, among his many accomplishments and achievements in the amateurs.
In addition his excellence in the ring, Porter was a star running back at Stow High School. Even though he went on to break the school rushing record previously held by NFL legend Larry Csonka, Porter declined football scholarship offers to focus on making the 2008 Olympic team. Politics unfortunately came into play.
His dream of qualifying for the Olympics was shattered under a cloud of controversy concerning unusual pairings that matched two regional champions, Porter and Danny Jacobs, against each other in the opening round of the Box-Offs. Porter supporters believe he didn’t get a shot at qualifying for the Olympics because the opportunity to box Shawn Estrada never came. Estrada, who Porter previously defeated twice, went on the represent the US in the 2008 Olympics.
During his illustrious amateur career, Porter also defeated U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, Jacobs, Edwin Rodriguez, and Jonathan Nelson. The four aforementioned pugilists are now regarded as top-notch professional prospects.
Simply put, Porter is a problem for his opponents. Blessed with, quickness, speed, agility, aggressiveness, reflexes and power, Porter had all eyes on him from the moment he turned pro.
His pro debut came and went very quickly on October 3, 2008. Unlike many pro debutants, Porter had no problem adjusting fighting without headgear and iced Norman Johnson in just 77 seconds. Following his jaw dropping debut, Porter remained active, scoring three quick knockouts before hitting national airwaves in only his fifth professional bout.
Showtime it was for Porter on ESPN Friday Night Fights February 6, 2009. A good night it was not for opponent Carson Jones, who was decked twice in the opening stanza en route to being shut out over four rounds.
After a stoppage victory over 35 fight veteran Abdias Castillo, Porter once again showcased his immense talents on Friday Night Fights. Porter starred once again under the bright lights, blitzing Eloy Suarez in the first round. A combination of monstrous hooks dropped Suarez hard, forcing referee Bill Clancy to save him from taking further punishment.
In his most recent fight, Porter annihilated Lamar Harris in 2:18. Porter twice decked Harris, becoming the first man, pro or amateur, to send the muscular Missourian to the canvas. His next venture into the ring saw him take a monstrous step up in competition, albeit with headgear.
The 2008 Olympic Alternate was chosen by three time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach to serve as Manny Pacquiao’s primary sparring partner leading up to his fight with Miguel Cotto. Porter received critical acclaim from Roach, who said he gave the pound for pound king his best sparring. Pacquiao and Porter’s grueling sparring sessions were featured on HBO’s Emmy Award winning 24-7 series.
Porter stopped brash veteran Jerome Ellis after four rounds on November 21. Headlining a globally broadcasted internet pay per view, Porter hurt Ellis in the second round and controlled the bout with crisp combinations, forcing the 23 fight veteran to retire on his stool.
“Showtime” Porter made his debut on the network with his namesake in his last fight, demolishing previously unbeaten Jamar Patterson. Porter impressed fans from all four corners with his flashy style, decking Patterson with a highlight reel lead left hook in round four. A follow up assault ended the night for the badly hurt Patterson, raising Porter’s professional ledger to 12-0 with 10 knockouts.
Shawn Porter returns to the ring February 19, 2010, when he will fight before fans in his home state of Ohio for the first time as a professional. Porter is promoted by Prize Fight Boxing and he’s managed and trained by his father Kenny. |
