Porter's career in the ring was impressive. He held the IBF welterweight title from 2013 to 2014 and later claimed the WBC welterweight belt from 2018 to 2019. Along the way, he picked up big wins against tough opponents like Adrien Broner, Danny Garcia, and Paulie Malignaggi.
In June 2016, Porter went up against Keith Thurman in a WBA welterweight title fight. Thurman won by unanimous decision, keeping his belt. Three years later, in September 2019, Porter faced Errol Spence in a unification clash. It was a close fight, with Porter getting dropped in the 11th round, but Spence got the win by split decision.
Porter's last fight came in November 2021 against Terence Crawford. Crawford stopped Porter in the 10th round, handing him his only knockout loss. This fight led Porter to hang up his gloves for good.
When asked about the toughest opponent he's faced, Porter gave the nod to Crawford. In an interview with Boxing News, Porter explained his choice:
"Those three guys are the cream of the crop … I take Errol out [as the best] because I don't think Errol was everything that he is now, I think he's better now than when he fought me. It's between Keith and Terence, and I think you go with Terence. I think Terence is just a little bit stronger mentally. That's a tough one. Keith Thurman in his prime or Terence Crawford now."
Porter called Crawford the most athletic and cerebral fighter he's faced, and said he's mentally stronger than Thurman. He also praised Thurman, calling him an amazing boxer in his prime, which Porter believes was during their fight and Thurman's bout with Danny Garcia.
As for Spence, Porter thinks he's improved since their fight, noting that Spence wasn't at his best when they met in the ring.
Since Porter's retirement, the welterweight division has seen some big changes. Crawford beat Spence by TKO in the 9th round in July 2023, becoming the undisputed welterweight champion. Thurman lost his WBA title to Manny Pacquiao in July 2019 but has since picked up wins over Mario Barrios and Brock Jarvis. He's now moving up to super-welterweight and has called out Tim Tszyu for a fight.
Crawford's next fight might be his biggest yet. He's expected to face Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez later this year. Meanwhile, Spence hasn't stepped back into the ring since his loss to Crawford.
Porter's assessment of these top fighters gives fans a unique insight into the welterweight division from someone who's been in the ring with the best of the best.