PBC fans voted the September 28th showdown at Staples Center as the top bout—beating out the July welterweight title unification between Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman and Jermell Charlo regaining his super welterweight title in a December rematch with Tony Harrison.
Best of PBC 2019: Fight of the Year
Boxing had some top-notched unifications bouts in 2019 with Andy Ruiz Jr.’s upset of Anthony Joshua last summer, the ageless eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao defeating previously unbeaten Keith Thurman and Julian Williams masterful performance against Jarrett Hurd ... but PBC fans say the best battle was the historic welterweight war waged between IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC titleholder “Showtime” Shawn Porter September 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles — voting the bout the PBC’s Fight of the Year.
“This is a lifetime dream. It shows hard work pays off,” said Spence, of his split decision victory in the 12-round back and forth brawl on FOX PPV.
“Thanks, Shawn Porter, my whole team and all my Texas people for coming out. Shawn Porter is a rough and awkward fighter. I didn't get off what I wanted to. He's a true champion. He made it tough.”
CompuBox stats showed Spence landing 221 of 745 punches (30 percent), and Porter connecting on 172 of 744 (23%)—the most Spence has been hit in his career. But it was the Texas native that scored the fight’s definitive moment, connecting with a beautiful counter left cross in the 11th round that wobbled Porter and caused his gloves to touch the canvas.
Porter gamely rose to his feet and then motioned for Spence to bring it on—which they both did as they each looked for knockouts throughout the final stanza.
“I think that knockdown was the difference,” Porter said. “We both came in to do the job. I think I had a little more than what he expected, but he handled it. Congratulations to him and his team. We're proud of what we did.”
Spence vs Porter won the top fans’ pick with a 38.8% vote, beating out Pacquiao vs Thurman, which came in second with 24.8%. The highly-anticipated super welterweight title rematch between Jermell Charlo and Tony Harrison came in third place, followed by Caleb Plant’s super middleweight championship win over Jose Uzcategui and Williams’ win over Hurd in May.
For a closer look at Spence vs Porter, check out the PBC on FOX PPV Fight Night page.
For all of the year-end honors, visit our Best of PBC 2019 page.
