Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS — Shawn Porter weathered a brief scare at the beginning of the 12th to take a wide unanimous decision over Adrien Broner on Premier Boxing Champions. What was billed as the “Battle for Ohio” between two young champions developed into a foul-filled, ugly clinch-fest where Porter’s higher workrate and ring IQ kept him a step ahead.
A LATE RALLY: Shawn Porter had this fight in the bag as the bell sounded for round 12. The previous rounds had him landing well to the body, pushing the fight with aggression (which Vegas judges prefer) and forcing Broner to constantly clinch him. The lead made Porter too comfortable. For that folly, he found himself on the canvas seconds in via the pet left hook Broner had tried to land all night. Porter was stunned, but more embarrassed than hurt. He finished strong and took the bout via scores of 118-108, 115-111 and 114-112.
CODDLING AN UNDESERVING FIGHTER: Adrien Broner is a promoter-created egomaniac. From getting away with weight issues, soft touches and undeserving paydays, why should he respect the sport? He was already crowned the heir apparent to Mayweather despite putting in nowhere near the work Floyd put down in his runs at 130-147 to become a star. And skill-wise, Broner showed how clueless he truly is when it comes to ring IQ — no jab, inside game, or strategy adjustment.
Even last night the favoritism was on display. Broner was allowed to hold and foul until referee Tony Weeks remembered his job and docked a point in round 11. Let’s also remember the catchweight of 144 (Broner’s idea) and his cavalier attitude regarding his putrid performance last night.
“Nothing surprised me, said Broner. “At the end of the day, great champions can take a good loss, just like they take a good win.
I still will fight anybody. It don’t matter. I am a real animal. I came to fight today and I didn’t get the decision. But at the end of the day everyone here will take my autograph and my picture.”
From this point forward, Broner antics need to be confined to undercards while focused guys like Keith Thurman get the PBC push.
SPENCE TKO3 LO GRECO: Prospect Errol Spence Jr. notched his 14th KO and 17th win overall with a quick stoppage over Phil Lo Greco. Serving as a last-minute substitute for Roberto Garcia, Lo Greco was completely overmatched. Spence expressed his hope to face Keith Thurman before the end of the year.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 