On Saturday night, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is playing host to what should be a hellacious battle. Both combatants are young, strong, fast, and neither can afford to lose. With both fighters heralding from Ohio, the fight presents an interesting twist: hometown bragging rights for the victor. On each of their resumes lies a single loss; but there the similarities cease. Tomorrow, for 36 minutes or less, their friendship will have to be put to one side as the pair engages in what should be a fan-pleasing show.
Broner is outspoken, crass, flashy and unashamedly confident. Porter, on the other hand, comes across with a charming poise. He’s a humble man with the confidence and assuredness befitting of his credentials. Broner’s loss came at the hands of Marcos Maidana, and though the fight didn’t go to plan Broner importantly showed he had a lot of character. Porter’s unbeaten streak was ended by undefeated IBF welterweight champion, Kell Brook. While Brook is still building his name in the U.S., his performances to date suggest he would give any of the top 147-pounders a run for their money. So while both fighters have tasted defeat both remain very much in their physical primes. For Broner, defeat might have come as a blessing. His career as a hip-hop artist would have to be put on the back-burner for sure, but his cocky and polarising on-camera persona remains unchanged. Neither fighter chose to use defeat as an opportunity to change trainer either. Porter remains with his father, Kenny, and Broner under the watchful eye of long-time coach Mike Stafford.
At Broner’s insistence the contest will be fought at 144 pounds, some three pounds lighter than Porter’s usual weigh-in limit. Broner’s team also inserted a rehydration clause that states neither fighter can come in heavier than 154 pounds on fight night. Will Porter’s need to shift those extra pounds play into the hands of Broner? We won’t know until both men step into the ring on Saturday; however, team Broner must see something in it.
Stylistically it makes for a great fight. Porter uses come forward aggression, which he has to use intelligently if he wants to avoid Broner’s counters and his stiff jab. He likes to get on top of his opponent, smother their work and punch off of angles. Broner, on the other hand, stands tall and fight at range, but at times, his flat footedness lands him in trouble. From what they’ve both shown in their careers to date, Broner I feel is the technically more accomplished boxer. Against Porter, he will inevitably try to keep it long, and while he can fight on the inside, he doesn’t want to let Porter get in range in my opinion. His work rate, or lack thereof, could pose a problem for Broner too. And then there’s the way he carries his left hand, opting to rely on his reflexes and shoulder roll defence rather than a high-held guard.
So whose night will it be? I believe Broner has to fight a very disciplined fight to win. His concentration has to be on point at all times; he needs to keep it long, for the most part, sit down on his punches and use his feet and hands to stay out of danger. Broner doesn’t want to find himself against the ropes too much against Porter, which means when Porter charges forward Broner needs to take two steps back and then step off to the side. For Porter to be victorious, he needs to be relentless. There needs to be less tell in his jab accompanied by some subtle feints and intelligent pressure throughout the fight. I see this as a ‘pick em’ fight. Broner has skills and potential but with so much at stake, I wouldn’t like to make a bet on predicting a winner
Outside The Ropes 