With plenty of big business awaiting the winner in a crowded welterweight division, it was WBC champion Shawn Porter who was able to survive and advance against an upset-minded opponent.
Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs), who was forced out of his trademark aggressive style, hung on for a split decision on Saturday against Yordenis Ugas (23-4, 11 KOs) to defend his title in a Premier Boxing Champions card at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Two of three judges favored Porter by scores of 116-112 and 115-113. The third judge had it 117-111 in favor or Ugas. CBS Sports scored it 115-113 for Ugas.
“I think we fought a good, smart tonight and I think we fought very consistent,” Porter said. “I think we won the majority of the rounds. I would not have given Ugas very many.”
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PBC ✔ @premierboxing Toe-to-toe in round 5! #PorterUgas
123 11:22 AM – Mar 10, 2019 65 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy Porter, 31, out-landed Ugas 144 to 128, according to CompuBox, over 12 rounds which could’ve been scored either way. While the judges were ultimately split on who should’ve won the fight, one thing that seemed to be universal was the feeling that both fighters failed to capitalize late by swinging the momentum into their favor.
“It was a great fight but I thought both fighters could have done more,” said WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman, a former Porter opponent who worked the fight for Fox as a studio analyst. “It was a good fight but the decision is what it is.”
