SHAWN PORTER is preparing for a ‘memorable’ night against Keith Thurman on June 25 and has vowed to prove himself among the best at 147lbs.
Thurman will defend his WBA world welterweight title against Porter at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Despite their friendship, Thurman insists he will put Porter ‘to sleep’ on fight night, but the challenger naturally has other plans.
“I wasn’t surprised that Keith said he would knock me out. He has to pump himself up and be confident,” he said.
“When he looked at me I think he was trying to convince me that he was being real and I was looking at him to find out if he was convinced. He thinks he’s going to knock me out, I say he’s not. I’m going to do everything it takes to beat him and make it look easy.
“This is forming to be a big fight, one of those fights that we’ve looked forward to since we were kids.”
“It is amazing to be a part of something great like this. I’ve always considered myself to be a very good fighter and a very good athlete, but I’ve always wanted something like this and to have it is very humbling.”
The pair have progressed alongside each other since their amateur days and Porter – who lost his IBF crown to Kell Brook in 2014 – intends to use his unique knowledge of Thurman to his advantage.
“I’m not changing anything in camp because of how familiar Keith and I are with each other. I have to do it at the right time in the ring. We’re going to do everything we do to prepare for a world championship fight,” he said.
“Thurman is a little unorthodox at times so we’re prepared for that. It’s about going 12 rounds or less and looking good doing it. We’ve done a little sparring as pros but nothing as competitive as I’m expecting on June 25.
“I have a feeling Keith is going to say he’s knocking me out a lot. I want to know if he believes that. He’s a cutthroat kind of fighter. I know that. The hands will be up, the defense will be taken care of, and we’re taking care of business.”
