PHOTOS: Shawn Porter Overcomes Danny Garcia Via Close Unanimous Decision to Capture WBC Welterweight Title

Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia delivered a great, tactical battle on Saturday night (Photo: Amanda Westcott – SHOWTIME)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday night, Shawn Porter produced one of his most complete performances to date in defeating former world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia via close unanimous decision. Taking place inside of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and aired by SHOWTIME, Porter was a little bit busier and more consistent throughout the 12-round showdown, winning by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice.

Porter (29-2-1, 17 KO’s) captures the WBC welterweight title with the victory while Garcia (34-2, 20 KO’s) suffers his second defeat in his past three bouts, despite putting up another very strong effort.

It seemed to be a battle of Porter’s activity vs. Garcia’s accuracy, as Shawn threw 742 total punches and 544 power shots, while landing at a 25% clip, while Garcia landed 46% of the 304 power shots he threw. Porter was determined throughout the matchup and that seemed to carry him to victory on this night.

“I made a prediction and a hard one to live up to,” said Porter. “I said I wasn’t leaving New York without this belt and I’m not leaving New York without this belt. I knew [Garcia] was going to be accurate. The game plan for me was to be accurate from the outside and show I could beat him without roughing him up on the ropes.”

A disappointed Garcia clearly saw the fight in a different light.

“He was throwing a lot,” said Garcia. “I had my defense tight, so I wasn’t feeling his punches. I thought I landed the clearer shots and won this fight. I have to sit back, relax and see what’s next for me.”

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