Shawn Porter “I think he’s the favorite, he’s a little more versatile than Floyd”

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3b710cb672b160dc2d1dc889f6177fabIn the wake of recent letdowns surrounding the possible Mayweather-Pacquiao match, welterweight contender Shawn “Showtime” Porter is focused on himself and his upcoming March date with Spike TV.

Porter (24-1, 15 KO) is scheduled to return against Roberto Garcia (36-3, 23 KO) during Spike TV’s Premier Boxing Champions show on March 13th. The former IBF welterweight titleholder expressed his skepticism about rumors circulating the Mayweather-Pacquiao talks.

“I honestly didn’t believe it would happen. When I heard it might happen I was kind of like, you know eyebrows all the way up,” Porter said. “I tried to maintain in myself that I wouldn’t follow it until it’s a done deal you know, so I haven’t really paid much attention to it. But you know I hear through the grapevine, ‘it’s on,’ then I hear it’s not. So I try to stay out of it, and you know, focus on my own thing.”

Many boxing observers share Porter’s frustration, and although it’s a top story, hardcore fans and writers alike are tired of waiting for the announcement of a fight that should have taken place years ago. Porter says he doesn’t follow the negotiations. However, he believes if the two ever did meet in the ring a slight edge would favor Pacquiao.

“I don’t know for me, I think he’s the favorite because he’s a little more versatile than Floyd is at this point in their career. I think Floyd you know, likes to use great defense and counter punch whereas Manny can do a little bit of everything and also from a southpaw position, so another great fight,” Porter said, “And maybe I get the winner.”

As of this week, reports have been coming in about “back-up plans” for Mayweather and Pacquiao if the mega fight falls through yet again. Porter says he doesn’t loose sleep thinking about possible fights between Mayweather and Pacquiao, or himself and Mayweather. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t ready for the challenge.

“You know going up against a legend such as Mayweather, you can’t pass up an opportunity like that,” Porter explained. “I’ve been told I might get the opportunity then told I wasn’t so you know I’m not sleeping on either of those guys right now, they’re not keeping me up at night but you know I would surely love a fight with Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr.”

Negotiations between Mayweather and Pacquiao have failed before, however since Porter is a Haymon fighter as well, making that fight would be easier, provided he shows that he is still a top fighter in the division.