TAKE A BOW

Spence beats Porter in a modern day welterweight classic, writes Matt Christie

- Matt Christie

BOXERS are barely given any time to recover or reflect before they’re asked what they plan to do next. At a time when Errol SpenceJnrshould have been lauded for a gruelling and exciting split-decision victory over Shawn Porter, fans instead criticised the IBF and now WBC welterweight champion for failing to name Terence Crawford as his next opponent.

The disappointment is understandable to a degree. A bout between Spence Jnr and Crawford – widely regarded as the best two fighters in the 147lb division – should of course be a natural. But the business of boxing, powered by warring promoters and broadcasters and sanctioning bodies, too often ignores common sense. While we should never stop demanding that the best fight the best, complaining in the aftermath of a brilliant hard-fought scrap is more than a little disrespectful. Because as hard as it was for Spence and Porter, it was a splendid fight for the rest of us.

It had everything that boxing fans adore about boxing. The skills, bravery and excitement on display inside the Los Angeles Staples Center should have triggered universal respect for the two athletes who delivered what is surely now a frontrunner for Fight of the Year.

Neither Spence nor Porter took a backward step. Even in the 11th round when Porter’s hand touched down after taking the sweetest of left hands, the momentum of the punches he was trying to land himself ensured his forward motion remained. But therein lay the key to victory for the impressive southpaw, who is showing new facets to his game with every passing fight. Porter’s plan to outhustle and disrupt the favourite on the inside almost worked, yet it should be noted that Spence’s ability to beat boxers at their own game – his raids downstairs were particularly spiteful – was the most telling truth of this 12-rounder.