Undefeated IBF welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter and Kell Brook held an open media workout Wednesday ahead of their Aug. 16 bout.
Held at Barry’s Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, the two fighters worked out for the media in attendance and gave their thoughts about the fight at hand.
Porter (24-0-1, 15 KOs) is coming into the bout as hungry as ever and is not concerned Brook (32-0, 22 KOs) too much, comparing him to the average fighter.
“I stay hungry because I know the feeling. I know what it takes to get to this position; I know the struggle along the way. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment,” Porter said. “I’m not concerned about Kell Brook. Earlier today, people were asking me about his power, and I don’t have much to say about that other than that I haven’t seen anything on film that makes him different from anybody else.”
Brook, a British native, will be fighting for the first time on U.S. soil and knows the odds are against him fighting an American in Porter, but he won’t let that affect his performance in the ring.
“I think about fighting in somebody else’s backyard. It goes through my mind, of course. Many things go through my mind,” Brook said. “But it’s boxing and there’s nothing I can do. It’s the way the situation is. I’ve traveled a long way to challenge for the world title, but I’m prepared for everything and anything.”
Not only will this fight mark Brook’s first bout in America, it will also be his first shot at a world title. Porter is banking on those factors adding more stress to Brook on fight night.
“I believe that Brook will feel the added pressure in this being his first title fight. I handled it great. I welcomed it and loved it going into my first title fight,” Porter said. “I’m not sure if he has the same personality to handle the extra pressure. I do know there will be a big crowd out there and I can’t wait. The west coast is hot and the crowd gets loud. I’m ready.”
Despite the uncharted territory Brook says he is ready for his big shot and hopes it jump-starts the remainder of his career.
“I’m excited. The future’s bright. But it’s all about performing next Saturday,” Brook stated. “I always rise to the occasion. The bigger the fight, the better the opponent, and the better I am. I think you’ll see the best of me – ever.”
Porter knows Brook’s undefeated record shows he is a quality opponent, but he is not impressed and said that other fighters he’s faced were better due to the Brit’s style of fighting.
“I don’t know if he is the toughest opponent I’ve faced yet,” Porter said. “His record would say that he is, but if you take a look at the caliber of fighters that I’ve fought before him, I think the other guys are more challenging fighters, especially Devon Alexander, who has an awkward and complicated style. Not to call Kell Brook plain, but he has a more up-and-down style that will be easier to deal with.”
