Former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter recently did some rounds with Conor Benn ahead of the Brit’s grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr.
Porter touched down in the UK and met with Benn before a three round spar. The work with a former champion, albeit happily in retirement, come during the 28-year-old’s preparation for the biggest fight of his career so far in Eubank.
After the initial scheduled date was canned due to Benn failing doping tests, the generational rivals will meet in less than two weeks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Benn was cleared to fight on home soil late last year.
Porter – who shared the ring with the likes of Errol Spence, Andrew Berto, Danny Garcia, Kell Brook and Terence Crawford – told TalkSPORT that Benn was an extreme talent.
“We did three rounds today but I’m not coming back, especially if I got to fight that young man. What a talent man, honestly, what a talent.
“Getting in the ring and only being able to do three rounds today, that’s not good enough for me, I embarrassed myself. He looked great, really good boxer, he’s more athletic and a little faster than I knew he was. Good boxer.”
As for the Eubank fight, ‘Showtime’ was asked specifically about the weight. Benn will be moving up two divisions from his natural 147 pounds to compete at 160, a comfortable enough class for Eubank, but there is a 10 pound rehydration clause on the morning of the fight which may hinder him.
On Porter’s mind, Benn will benefit despite being the smaller man.
“[The weight is] not a factor at all. The way I look at it, Conor will be the healthier fighter on fight night, he doesn’t have to drain himself and not eat or drink the healthy things that he will need on fight night.
“[The rehydration clause for Eubank] could be a factor on fight night, but it’s all about how both these fighters manage their nutrition.”
The two are now readying themselves for a fight week with plenty of media attention ahead of one of the biggest British main events of the year.
