Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/Showtime
BROOKLYN, NY — The weights are in for tomorrow’s welterweight showdown between Shawn Porter and Andre Berto, and the junior middleweight title clash of Jermell Charlo against Charles Hatley.
Porter had to strip down to make the 147 limit. Berto came in at 146.5.
PREDICTION: Mark me down as one who feels Porter is catching Berto at the perfect time. The 33-year-old former titlist has a lot of wear and tear on him via his brutal wars (Ortiz I, Soto Karass, Guerrero) and injuries. Despite his chiseled frame, Berto has always been undersized at 147 and prone to getting bullied by bigger fighters. Porter and his “bull in a china shop” style fits the mold. Berto doesn’t have the footwork to keep Porter on the end of his counters and the Ohio native displayed a formidable chin in the Thurman bout.
I see an early frenetic pace where both men land heavy before Porter’s mauling takes its toll in the second half. A stoppage is possible, but the more likely outcome is a Porter UD.
CHARLO VS. HATLEY: Jermell Charlo is making the first defense of the vacant WBC title with a come from behind KO over John Jackson last May. Charlo should have a much easier time against Hatley, who is shorter, has less reach, and tends to telegraph his shots and leave his chin the air. CHARLO BY MID-ROUND KO.
Rounding out the card will be Amanda Serrano vs. Dahiana Santana, and Juan Miguel Borrego vs. John Delperdang.
The card airs on Showtime at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 