Who are you picking? That’s what many fight fans and analysts are asking one another ahead of Broner vs Porter this weekend. Premier Boxing Champions have delivered the goods for fight fans here! The lackluster Guerrero vs Martinez and Lara vs Rodriguez cards could well be a distant memory after tonight.
In one corner you have Adrien Broner (30-1, 22 KO), the flamboyant stylist. He may be a couple of levels below idol Floyd Mayweather, but he has remarkable speed, decent power, and is very dynamic when it comes to picking his punches. Broner blazed his way – depending on your opinion – through the Junior Lightweight division before capturing the WBC Lightweight crown from Antonio DeMarco in November 2012. Broner then jumped up to Welterweight were he dethroned Paulie Malignaggi of the WBA strap in June 2013.
He then had a nightmare encounter with Marcos Maidana in December 2013 which blemished the Cincinnati-born fighter’s unbeaten record. But he rebuilt. Following that loss, Broner has earned Unanimous Decisions over Carlos Molina, Emmanuel Taylor, and John Molina Jr. He now faces his second biggest test at 147-pounds.
That test is Shawn Porter (25-1, 16 KO), a strong, stocky Welterweight. Unlike Broner, he’s no showman or technician in the ring. Quite the opposite, in fact. Porter exploded into boxing forums after establishing himself as one of the busiest, hardworking fighters in the game after shutting out IBF champ Devon Alexander. Following the December 2013 bout, Porter then crushed highly capable veteran Paulie Malignaggi inside 4 rounds in April 2014. The stoppage made a few chins wag.
But Porter fell short in his second IBF title defense against Kell Brook in August that year. Porter found himself on the wrong side of a Majority Decision, but it was a close, competitive affair throughout. Like Broner, Porter is also trying to rebuild after losing to a marquee name. Porter is a highly athletic, volume-punching fighter, who does his best work inside. He is known for overwhelming opponents, breaking their spirits, and constantly causing them to reset.
But both men aren’t considered top-tier just yet. And that’s why this is such a crucial fight for both men. The victor will enjoy the spoils of a big, lucrative future fight, certainly if Premier Boxing Champions and Al Haymon has anything to do with it. Reason enough.
Expect both men to take the fight very seriously indeed tonight at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. And particularly Broner – yes, you read that right – who really can’t afford a second loss. That would certainly reduce his marketability which is owed considerably to his trash-talking and outside-ring antics.
Broner vs Porter is set to be a true clash of styles which looks to be a perfect match-up on paper. Here’s some predictions from the BoxingBase staff and other fellow boxing news websites who we thank for sharing their valued insights.
Broner vs Porter: Predictions
Broner via UD 12
Adrien Broner won’t have it all his way in the early stages, and will certainly have his work cut out with the swarming, relentless nature of Shawn Porter. Maidana may have proven Broner isn’t the second coming of ‘you know who’, but the kid is still talented enough to seize victory here. No, it won’t be a shutout on the cards. The difference in this fight is the more refined skill set and unpredictability that belongs to Broner. One thing for sure is that Broner will be booed win or lose – such is the life for the ‘pantomime villain’.
Ian Hedges – Editor-In-Chief/Founder, BoxingBase.com
Broner via SD 12
This isn’t a super fight, but it’s a good match-up between two decent unpolished fighters. And I like em’ both – it’s just hurting my brain to pick a winner! If Broner doesn’t take this fight seriously, I see him either getting mauled over 12, or even kissing the canvas a few times before being stopped. He’ll need to be a 100%, and won’t be able to rely on his chin too much here. That could prove fatal. Broner really needs to prove himself in his first big fight since El Chino, and I think he will. He’s tipped as the betting favorite, but the win won’t come easily. This one goes the distance, and Porter makes more than a few dents down the stretch. Broner will sharp shoot and counter often enough to bag a Split – perhaps Majority – Decision.
Mark Phillips – Head Staff Writer/Assistant Editor, BoxingBase.com
Porter via late round TKO
I think the Porter-Broner fight is the best fight on paper thus far for the PBC series. I also think it will live up to what looks good on paper, inside the squared circle on Saturday night. This fight is extremely important to BOTH fighters. With that said, one of the things I like about Broner is that he’s willing to stand in the pocket and fight and because of that, I have to give the edge to Shawn Porter. I am picking Shawn Porter to win this fight by a late round TKO.
Billy C from BillyCBoxing.com and the Talkin Boxing with Billy C TV & Radio Program
Broner via UD 12
I’ve got to be honest I’m not sold on either of these two fighters as even being close to what they are hyped as. Broner, for all his potential, is a spoilt brat who hasn’t ever looked good against the top opponents (Ponce De Leon, Maidana or even Malignaggi) giving me the impression he’s a bully with more smoke and mirrors than actual ability. Those smoke and mirrors are to continue this weekend when he faces a drained Shawn Porter, himself a crude and wild slugger. If Porter catches Broner clean there might be a few exciting moments but I can’t see anything but a wide decision win for “The Problem”.
Scott Graveson (Co-founder www.asianboxing.info)
Broner vs Porter Fight Poll
The final results of BoxingBase.com’s poll – which is now closed – are as follows:
- Broner via Decision – 39%
- Broner via KO/TKO – 19%
- Porter via Decision – 27%
- Porter via KO/TKO – 13%
- Draw – 2%
Broner vs Porter: Prediction Result
And there you have it. A tally of 3-1, combined with the poll result winner, reveals that Broner is the predicted victor of this 144-pound catchweight encounter. Poll results revealed a 58% swing for Broner’s hand being raised, and most likely via decision.
If you’d like to weigh in with your own prediction, let us know in the comments, fight fans!
The BoxingBase.com writing staff provide worldwide boxing news, coverage and analysis – they can be contacted via email and social media.
