Kell Brook could take advantage of 'vulnerable' Amir Khan, says old rival Shawn Porter
Friday 6 January 2017 12:49, UK
Shawn Porter has backed his former conqueror Kell Brook to prevail in a potential clash against Amir Khan, who has a “questionable chin” according to the American.
Brook became IBF welterweight champion two-and-a-half years ago by ending Porter's unbeaten record in California, and now promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed "positive" talks to pair him against Khan.
"At this point with Amir, depending upon who he's in the ring with, he needs to be damn-near perfect for 12 rounds and that's really hard to do," Porter exclusively told Sky Sports.
If you pushed me to pick a winner, I'd probably pick Kell Brook because I think he's stronger. I know he's stronger. And he's sharper.
"That means not getting hit at all. If he does get hit, he needs to be defensive. His chin is questionable now, and it's not just due to who he's been in the ring with.
"He's susceptible to being knocked out. He's a dangerous fighter because of his quickness and experience, but he's vulnerable.
"If you pushed me to pick a winner, I'd probably pick Kell Brook because I think he's stronger. I know he's stronger. And he's sharper.
"What I mean by that; we know Amir has great speed, unbelievable speed, especially with his height and range at the weight class. But two things he lacks - defence after his offence, and taking punches isn't in his best interest.
"With that combination over the course of 12 rounds, Kell reigns victorious."
Porter dropped a unanimous decision to Keith Thurman with the WBA welterweight gold up for grabs in his most recent fight, while his old adversary Brook bravely failed to get past the fifth round against middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin.
"I would love to face Kell again," said Porter. "Watching it, I was upset and angry, questioning how I lost. 'How could you not give me this victory?'
"But when you start to open your heart, your mind, your eyes - if I had taken a different approach to the fight mentally, and emotionally, the fight would have ended differently and I would have beaten Brook. I know I can make adjustments and win."
