ON Saturday (March 9) Shawn Porter will make the first defence of his WBC welterweight title, taking on Yordenis Ugas at the Dignity Health Sports Park.
“This is special. I feel great and I’m ready to go. I’ve done everything that I need to do so that I’m ready for this point right now,” Porter said. “I’m sure Ugas has looked at what I do in the ring and sees how tough and rough it is to fight me. He thinks he’s the better boxer and has more technical skills, which is fine with me. He can say what he wants, but the talking is done [with] after today.
“I’m looking forward to this fight going differently than last time I fought at this venue, against Kell Brook. I’m going to make sure it goes my way this time, but there’s no added pressure because of it. It’s total focus on getting this job done the best way that I can.”
Porter does have his sights set on the major names in the 147lbs division. “Keith Thurman, Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao. Those are all big fights that people want to see. If this fight goes the way we want it to go, those guys are the goal for the next fight,” the champion said.
Ugas hopes to upset his plans. “This is the opportunity I’ve wanted and I’m going to take full advantage,” Yordenis said. “I am 100 percent better technically than Shawn Porter. It’s going to make this a great fight on Saturday and we’re going to give the fans an incredible night.
“Shawn and I sparred a couple years ago but I’m a way different fighter than I was then. You’re going to see an elite fighter on Saturday.
“This is a very evenly-matched fight. I’ve come a long way and now people are giving me the credit that I deserve and that I worked so hard for.”
