By Geno McGahee
In a tough and close fight, Errol Spence, JR., 26-0, 21 KO’s, unified the IBF and WBC welterweight titles with a split decision win over Shawn Porter, 30-3-1, 17 KO’s, by scores of 116-111 (twice) and 112-115. From the opening bell, Porter pushed and mauled his way, having a lot of success. Spence, JR., was able to land some shots on the inside that landed on the inside and had the harder shots out of the two. Had Porter had power, he would have been far more dangerous in this fight.
Porter was making this fight but the counter punches and better skillset of Spence, JR., was making the difference down the stretch. All of the energy that Porter put out there in the first 8 rounds caught up with him and he visibly slowed down. It gave Spence, JR., opportunities to land hard shots and score a knockdown in the 11th round.
The last four rounds dictated the result of the fight. Spence, JR., proved to be the champion in the championship rounds and was the stronger fighter down the stretch. He earned the unified title tonight and will now be heading to a showdown with Danny Garcia in his next fight. Scared Stiff had the fight scored 115- 113 for Spence, JR.
