Shawn Porter questions whether Kell Brook is champion material
IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter has questioned whether Kell Brook has the character to cope with the pressure of fighting for a world title.
The pair lock horns on August 16 at the Stubhub Center in Carson, California, live on Sky Sports 1HD, as Brook becomes the latest British fighter to travel to America to challenge for a world strap. Porter beat Devon Alexander to claim the IBF crown at the end of last year and the 26-year-old is promising more entertainment for his fans when he faces mandatory challenger Brook.
"I believe that Brook will feel the added pressure in this being his first title fight," Porter said at an open workout at Barry's Gym in Las Vegas. "I handled it great. I welcomed it and loved it going into my first title fight. I'm not sure if he has the same personality to handle the extra pressure.
"I do know there will be a big crowd out there and I can't wait. The west coast is hot and the crowd gets loud. I’m ready. "This fight will be pure entertainment for the crowd, and I love to entertain the crowd and my fans. I have played this fight in my head thousands of different times from going the distance to me knocking him out with one punch."
Porter has one draw to his name in an otherwise unblemished record from 25 fights (24-0-1). And the Ohio fighter is intent on keeping his undefeated record intact, insisting he is in not unduly worried about the threat posed by 'The Special One' who is also unbeaten (32-0 KO22).
"I'm not concerned about Kell Brook," Porter said. "Earlier today, people were asking me about his power, and I don't have much to say about that other than that I haven’t seen anything on film that makes him different from anybody else.
"I don't know if he is the toughest opponent I've faced yet. His record (32-0) would say that he is, but if you take a look at the calibre of fighters that I've fought before him, I think the other guys are more challenging fighters, especially Devon Alexander, who has an awkward and complicated style. "Not to call Kell Brook plain, but he has a more up-and-down style that will be easier to deal with."
Shawn Porter v Kell Brook is live on Sky Sports 1, from 2.00am, Sunday, August 17. The California card also includes Luke Campbell and Callum Smith.