Wednesday 24 May 2017 17:43, UK
Shawn Porter has backed Errol Spence Jr to succeed where he failed by defeating Kell Brook on Saturday.
Brook (37-36-1-25KO) will defend his IBF world welterweight title against American Spence Jr (21-0-18KO) at a sold-out Bramall Lane, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Porter is the man Brook defeated to win that IBF belt almost three years ago in California so he knows from experience what it is like to share the ring with the Sheffield native.
But Spence Jr has dazzled on his way to earning his title shot, winning his last eight fights via stoppage, and Porter feels the undefeated southpaw is more than ready for the step up in class against Brook.
Porter told Sky Sports News HQ: "He's made an impression on the Americans back home and has had a lot of exposure from a young age.
"The only questions we have for Errol Spence will be answered on Saturday. Is he ready for this magnitude of fanbase that will be screaming on Saturday?
"I think there's going to be a lot of fun and I think both guys have got what it takes to win the fight.
"I think Errol Spence is going to do it. I am surprised he is the bookies' favourite as he's had a very young career and he's going up against a guy that took the belt from a very good, strong boxer."
Porter has travelled over from America to sit ringside in Sheffield on Saturday night. He would be a natural next opponent for the winner after propelling himself back into title contention with last month's stoppage win over Andre Berto.
But he made it clear his top priority is a second fight with WBC and WBA champion Keith Thurman, who narrowly defeated him on points last summer.
When asked about a potential rematch against Brook, Porter said: "It could be but we definitely want to address this situation with Keith Thurman. We are looking to get that rematch and we'll go from there.
"I am confident it will happen one day, I'm not sure how long it will take. He's got two mandatories and on top of that he's had a surgery. He's got to recover from that.
"I am still resting a little bit from my last fight and I am looking to get back in the ring in the fall. That opponent has got to be determined."
Watch Brook vs Spence Jr, from Bramall Lane, Sheffield, May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event online here or via your Sky remote.
