Errol Spence Jr v Shawn Porter Preview

Errol Spence Jr faces Shawn Porter this weekend in their world welterweight title unification fight in Los Angeles. Unbeaten Spence is the clear favourite although Porter has not lost for three years and never been stopped.

Spence Jr defends unbeaten record

Spence has yet to put a foot wrong his professional career with a record of 25 victories, 21 of them coming inside the distance.

The 29-year-old southpaw won the IBF world welterweight title two years ago, stopping Kell Brook in the 11th round of their fight in Sheffield.

The American’s first title defence was at the start of 2018 as he dominated Lamont Peterson, dropping his opponent in the fifth round before the referee ended the contest at the start of the eighth round.

‘The Truth’ Spence landed a first round knockout against previously undefeated Carlos Ocampo before extending his unbeaten record with a points win against Mikey Garcia in March.

He added the WBC welterweight belt after the unanimous decision in New York. The result was no surprise though considering Garcia moved up two weight divisions to face Spence.

Porter looking to upset favourite

Porter comes into Saturday’s contest with a record of 30 wins, two defeats and one draw.

The 31-year-old won the IBF world title after beating Devon Alexander on points six years ago. He defended the belt by stopping Paulie Malignaggi in the fourth round.

But Porter suffered the first defeat of his career in 2014 after being edged out by Brook in California after a majority decision in favour of the British boxer.

Porter’s attempt to win the WBA title failed in 2016 after the American was beaten narrowly on points by Keith Thurman in Brooklyn.

He bounced back in his next fight after stopping Andre Berto in the ninth round and Porter became world champion for the second time, after a unanimous points win against Danny Garcia 12 months ago.

Porter’s first defence of the WBC title came in March with a disputed points win against Yordenis Ugas, which proved unpopular with the fans in California.

Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr have both arrived in LA ahead of their title fight this weekend.

We caught up with both fighters upon their arrival – see what they had to say.#SpencePorter pic.twitter.com/8KpLmVHSDV

— BetVictor (@BetVictor) September 25, 2019

Spence Jr v Porter: The verdict

Spence is as short as 1/9 to defeat Porter this weekend at the Staples Center and the slick favourite should justify these odds by extending his unbeaten record in the ring.

Porter, the 11/2 outsider, has proved a game opponent throughout his career but is likely to come up short in this fight.

Spence has so many big fight possibilities if he wins, with the likes of Terence Crawford and Manny Pacquiao offering major threats in this ultra-competitive division, so he needs to deliver a convincing victory.

In the build-up to the fight, Spence talked up his chances of claiming the knockout win but Porter is a very durable opponent and can take this one the distance.

Porter has never been stopped, with both of his defeats coming on the scorecards, which only reiterates his toughness and defensive qualities.

It is no surprise to see it is just 2/5 for the fight to go to the final bell and it is worth backing Spence to maintain his winning run via a decision.

A stoppage success would be a huge statement but the most likely outcome is for Spence to dominate the rounds and clinch a convincing points victory in LA.

Tip: Spence Jr to win by decision or technical decision