The prominent train of thought was that Shawn Porter would be a stylistic nightmare for Andre Berto ahead of their crossroad clash. Those opinions were validated as Porter mauled and battered Berto, coming out on top over the faded ex-champ. Things got ugly early as both fighters got bloodied up by accidental headbutts caused by the hard charging Porter and Berto’s inability … [Read more...]
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter: The Boxing Tribune Preview
Andre Berto in many ways was the prototype of Al Haymon’s champion-building formula. He was brought up with a lot of pomp, matched incredibly poorly thanks to the generosity of the WBC to the point where he won a title and upon losing his toughest fight to date, he’s spiraled into a late-career tailspin in where that popularity and name recognition has kept him up. That is … [Read more...]
Shawn Porter: Confidence and Experience
I had the opportunity to speak with top level welterweight Shawn Porter (26-2, 16 KOs) on Wednesday, as he took a brief break from his intense training camp where he’s preparing for his April 22 bout with Andre Berto (31-4, 24 KOs). “Showtime” is an apt nickname for the explosive Porter. He employs a style that is becoming increasingly rare in the sport—one that brings to … [Read more...]
Boxing, TV, and You
by Eddie Goldman Repeat after me, ladies and germs: Boxing is a TV sport. Boxing is a TV sport. If you don't get that, you don't get boxing, especially its immediate future. Yes, streaming is growing, but it is still often a lousy, glitchy, unreliable substitute for ye olde televisione, and will remain so for at least a few years if not longer. Besides, the major … [Read more...]
Ortiz vs. Berto II: The Boxing Tribune Preview
Tomorrow night at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KO’s) and Andre Berto (30-4, 23 KO’s) square off or the second time in the Premier Boxing Champions headlining 12 round contest. The former world champions put on a fight of the year candidate in 2011; in a bout that saw both fighters hit the canvas two times a piece, Ortiz managed … [Read more...]