The Twitterverse Lights Up with a Chorus of Appreciation for Shawn Porter

Shawn Porter was stopped in the 10^th round by Terence Crawford this past Saturday in Las Vegas. The decision to stop the fight wasn’t made by the referee, but by Shawn’s father and trainer Kenny Porter. Pop’s decision didn’t sit well with the audience at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Porter, 34, made a surprise announcement at the post-fight press conference; he announced his retirement. “I’m not going to be a gatekeeper,” he said. “That’s not the life I want to live. I never wanted to lead the life of a fighter who fought into his 40’s.”

During a career that began in 2008, Porter compiled a record of 31-4-1. His first three setbacks – to Kell Brook (majority decision), Keith Thurman (razor-thin unanimous decision), and Errol Spence Jr (split decision) – could have easily gone the other way. His fight with Crawford was essentially even through the nine completed rounds.

Few boxers of recent vintage were as respected as Shawn Porter. His announcement sparked a great outpouring of affection from well-wishers. Below is a sample culled from the reactions of noted boxing journalists:

“What a terrific warrior this guy is. ShowtimeShawnP went out of his way to chase down the very best and gave his all each and every time. Asides from that, he was an intelligent, down to earth and charming personality. He’s everything that’s good about this sport.” – TOM GRAY

“He’ll be remembered as one of the most beloved figures in the sport whose jovial personality and infectious smile outside the ring didn’t match the scowl and intensely competitive nature he demonstrated inside.” – ANDREAS HALE

“Porter had too much pride, too much ambition to be relegated to a tier below the best. And that unwillingness to pursue greatness, in an era when this is noticeably absent, will be a lasting part of his legacy.” – BEN BABY

“Shawn Porter created the blueprint. Fight everyone. Give maximum effort. Leave fans satisfied. Be kind. Be respectful. So when you transition into broadcasting, your words mean something. Major props.” – DAN CANOBBIO

“Porter talked about Terence Crawford being ‘different’. The truth is Shawn is as different as it gets. He fights everyone fans want him to fight. He never makes excuses. He’s respectful even when disrespected. He deals with a loss with dignity. In a win, he still honors his opponent. Shawn is mean in the ring but wears the biggest smile outside of it. Shawn is the best kind of different.” – KATE ABDO

“He was one of boxing’s truly admirable fighters, particularly in an era where so many top names are reluctant to take the true risk in a big fight that is not only big because it’s marketed well, but because both fighters came in with an actual chance of winning.” – SCOTT CHRIST

“Good luck to ShowtimeShawnP in retirement. A fine fighter, a class act, a credit to the sport, and a two-time world champion. A career to be proud of.” – SHAUN BROWN

—

Porter said he gave the decision a lot of thought in the weeks and months leading up to his bout with Crawford: “I’m prepared to retire. I was prepared to announce my retirement tonight, win, lose or draw.” Nevertheless, let’s not be too quick to assume that Porter’s decision is etched in stone. History informs us that a fighter’s first retirement usually doesn’t stick.

If Porter is pulled back to the ring someday — if the siren song becomes too strong to resist — we should forgive him. The late, great trainer Angelo Dundee, when asked why he was always so pleasant, said, “it doesn’t cost any more to be nice.”

Shawn Porter intrinsically understood that.

Check out more boxing news on video at the Boxing Channel

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE