Shawn Porter to Walk Pacquiao into Ring Saturday Night!
Posted on | November 12, 2009 | No Comments
Los Angeles, CA – 2008 US Olympic alternate Shawn “Showtime” Porter will lead superstar Manny Pacquiao into the ring Saturday night for his showdown with WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.
Porter, 10-0 (8 KO’s), served as Pacquiao’s primary sparring partner and played the role of Cotto during his six weeks in camp. While swapping punches with the best fighter in the world was often a grueling task, Porter was grateful for the opportunity.
“”It’s truly an honor that Team Pacquiao brought me into camp” said Porter, whose intense sparring with Pacquiao was featured on HBO’s Emmy Award winning 24/7 series. “It was a lot of fun, a great learning experience and something I will remember far beyond my years as a professional fighter.”
Following training sessions in Pacquiao’s native Philippines, fans mobbed Porter for pictures, autographs and to ask about his experience sparring with their national hero. Even though the public attention was quite unexpected, Porter is flattered with his newfound support.
“The type of recognizance I got was unbelievable.” “For people to stop me and say “hey you’re Shawn Porter” thousands of miles away from my hometown of Akron, Ohio is great.”
“The fans treated me as if they have known me for a number of years. I definitely look forward to continually building my fan base in the Philippines because their fans are incredible!”
The highly anticipated Pacquiao-Cotto “Firepower” pay per view hits airwaves at 9 pm ET and is promoted by Top Rank.
Porter’s next bout is taking place November 21 at Fitzgeralds Casino in Tunica, MS. Details will follow in the coming days.