Former two division world champion Danny Garcia was a very interested observer on Saturday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
He watched a high stakes unification for the WBC, IBF welterweight titles, with Errol Spence (26-0, 21 KOs) winning a twelve round split decision over Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs). The scores were 116-111 for Spence, 115-112 for Porter, and 116-111 for Spence.
Garcia lost a close twelve round split decision to Porter, but has since bounced back with a one-sided demolition of Adrian Granados earlier this year.
After the fight was over, Garcia entered the ring and challenged Spence to fight him next – in what would likely be a pay-per-view fight.
“It was a top dog fight tonight,” said Garcia. “I want you next Errol. It was a tough rugged fight. Shawn Porter is a tough fighter. I’m here to say I want next.”
The fact that Garcia was allowed to enter the ring to approach Spence for a face to face challenge, would make it appear that Premier Boxing Champions is lining up a Spence vs. Garcia showdown in the first half of 2020.
“My how the tables have turned,” said Spence. “I’ve told my team, you line them up, I’ll knock them down.”
For the first time in his career, Spence appeared a bit vulnerable at times in the contest with Porter, who many underestimated. Spence knew he clinched the fight when he dropped Porter in the eleventh round of the bout.
Spence had hoped for a unification with WBA champion Manny Pacquiao, who earlier this year unseated Keith Thurman for the title. That bout is unlikely, with Pacquiao, now 40-years-old, potentially heading in the direction of a clash with former four division champion Mikey Garcia.
–boxingscene.com
