SHAWN PORTER: “I WILL BE A WORLD CHAMPION AT WELTERWEIGHT”

“I learned that I have what it takes to be a world champion, and I learned that I don’t need to change anything. I just need to improve…I know that some of those names have been tossed around for future fights. Of course I feel ready now. I know I’m not far from those big fights…I will be a world champion at welterweight. Then I’ll move up from there,” stated undefeated promising welterweight Shawn Porter, who talked about his recent victory over Alfonso Gomez, his future plans, and much more. Check it out 

SS: Firstly, congratulations on your victory over Alfonso Gomez. It was a fight where you displayed a variety of talents, slick movement, power, tactical awareness, heart, and determination to overcome a very bad cut. Apart from the result, what was the most pleasing aspect of the fight for you?

SP: I think aside from the win, proving to myself and my team that I have what it takes to fight through a few adversities and remain strong and focused until the final bell.

SS: The cut looked pretty bad. How is the cut, and how long is it likely to keep you out of action for?

SP: The cut is fine; definitely not as bad as it looked. I had the stitches taken out a few days ago and we look to be back in the ring October/November.

SS: It is fair to say Gomez is the most experienced guy you have been in there with, he’s been in with the likes of Alvarez and Cotto. Beating a guy like that is valuable in your learning, so coming away from the fight, what would you say you learned most?

SP: I learned that I have what it takes to be a world champion, and I learned that I don’t need to change anything. I just need to improve.

SS: Looking forward, who is on your radar for your next step?

SP: The only thing on my radar is a world title. I let my manager and advisor weave through the who, when, where, and other particulars. It’s my job to show up and perform.

SS: Obviously the division is full of stars, with Pacquiao and Mayweather out in front, but behind that, there is a pack of guys that could all beat each other, like Bradley, Guerrero, Berto, Ortiz, Alexander, and Bailey at welterweight, and the likes of Alvarez, Lara, Cotto up at light middleweight. How fast do you anticipate being in contention for shots with those guys?

SP: Well, I know that some of those names have been tossed around for future fights. Of course I feel ready now. I know I’m not far from those big fights.

SS: We have seen you operate at light middleweight and welterweight. What weight do you feel most comfortable at, and ideally, what weight are you looking at for your next fight?

SP: I will be a world champion at welterweight. Then I’ll move up from there.

SS: Working with Freddie Roach and training with Manny Pacquiao must have been very pleasing for a young fighter learning in the sport. Obviously your father has been a huge influence on your career, but what kind of things does Freddie Roach instill into a fighter?

SP: Freddie is a great technical coach. We catch mitts when I’m out at the Wildcard and work hard on things like positioning and throwing punches from different angles.

SS: With Amir Khan’s recent defeat, there has been a lot said about Freddie’s lack of focus on defensive training. You are in as good a position as anybody to comment on this situation. From your experience, what is your opinion on the defensive side of Freddie’s coaching?

SP: All I know is what works for one person may not work for everyone. Freddie had proven he’s a great; he just may not be a great coach for everyone.

SS: Speaking to a few fighters, some say they use sparring for toughness. Some say they barely spar, but use it for their angles and distances. How many rounds do you spar generally leading up to fights?

SP: Sparring is done in my camps three time a week. Each session, I spar 4-10 rounds, depending on the day. Sparring is just as important as running in my camps.

SS: I’m sure you are aware of all the talk this week about TMT Promotions. With some seeing it as a breath of fresh air for boxing while some areas of the media being very cautious, how successful do you see it being?

SP: I know they’ve signed a few really good fighters, so I expect they’ll be pretty successful.

SS: Growing up in the sport, who was your inspiration and boxer that you learned the most from?

SP: “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler is my all-time favorite boxer. He was a boxer-puncher, just as I consider myself. I think I’m just as aggressive and exciting as he was.

SS: A lot of fans and media were very impressed with the humble and honest manor in your interview. The importance of self promotional skills and ability to sell a fight is essential at the top of the sport. The early signs are you will understand that nature of the business. Are there any changes or improvements you will need in that area?

SP: I think you’re asking if I think I need to change anything to promote myself better, and I would say not at all. I think the level of excitement I bring to the ring, and then my humble yet outgoing approach to the media, is refreshing and needed for my sport.

SS: I am sure you are watching the Olympic Games in London. Is there anybody that has caught your eye so far in boxing?

SP: The American fighter I was most proud of and impressed with was Terell Gausha from Cleveland, and not just because he’s from Cleveland. I thought he fought hard, fought smart, and left it all in the ring. I think he did everything an Olympian should do to win a medal and he just came up short.

SS: Just to finish off, do you have a message for your fans?

SP: They can catch me on twitter @Showtimeshawnp. Other than that, stay tuned because there are more exciting great fights to come from Team Porter. Thank you.