Hanging them up: I'll miss Shawn Porter

Shawn Porter got the absolute most of of his ability. I saw him fight twice live and numerous times on cable. Always in shape and ready to go. A total professional.

Many considered him a star in the making when he began his career in 2008. He was 20-0 when I saw him fight veteran Julio Diaz at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, Ca. Porter didn’t win that night, but he didn’t lose either. He cleared up that debate a year later with a dominant victory over Diaz.

Porter won world championship honors in 2013 by defeating Devon Alexander. He brutalized Paulie Malignaggi four months later at the Armory in Washington, DC.

Kell Brook took his world title a year later by close decision in Carson.

He won two fights in a row before facing problem child and boyhood friend Adrien Broner. The victory earned him a shot at the then-welterweight champion, Keith Thurman. Porter had his moments, roughing Thurman up and winning some rounds, but the decision went Thurman’s way.

Desiring a rematch with Thurman didn’t materialize - underdog Porter defeated Danny Garcia to capture the WBC welterweight belt. He edged Yordenis Ugas and faced heavily favored Errol Spence Jr. in a welterweight showdown.

The fight was gritty. Spence Jr. scored a knockdown and rallied in the championship rounds to earn a split decision victory. Porter was relentless but came up short.

After losing his final fight to Terence Crawford last weekend, Porter mentioned his desire to retire after the Spence fight.

Instead, he fought Crawford, losing by stoppage for the first time in his career.

The loss was bittersweet, but his announced retirement felt right.

Porter is a former two-time welterweight champion. He’s likable as hell and has parlayed his personality into a successful broadcasting career.

Some are doubting his sincerity.

Not me.

Shawn Porter has nothing to prove.

Enjoy retirement, champ.