[0:00:34] Meet Showtime Shawn Porter 

When Shawn gets into the ring, he taps into the science, art and strategy of boxing to conquer his opponent. Currently, there is no unified champion in the welterweight division. Shawn holds the WBC Welterweight Title–aka the Green Belt–a title once held by Floyd Mayweather. He will take on IBF titleholder, Errol Spence, on September 28. At the end of that fight, there will be one less welterweight champion in the boxing world.

[0:04:50] More Than an Athlete

Shawn credits his father for his success. Kenny grew up without a father but was determined to be there for his son. Growing up, Shawn was an obedient kid who stayed out of trouble. More than all the sports and boxing accolades, dad is just proud of the man he has become. 

[0:9:23] Mindset

Preparation is key. Look for the right opportunity and then seize the moment. This weekend will be Shawn’s 34th fight and he will step into the ring knowing he’s done everything possible to be ready for the match. In boxing, keep a positive mindset but try to make your opponent lose confidence. Greatness requires patience–Shawn turned pro in 2008 but it wasn’t until 2013 that he had his first big fight. People who aren’t willing to go out there and give their all will never be counted among the “greats.” 

[0:15:12] The Difference between Good and Great  

When it comes to sports and athletics, you must set goals and work at achieving them. Having a good team and his dad as a trainer and supporter, makes all the difference for Shawn. In 2013, there were other champions alongside him but without consistency, they faded away while he remained standing. Kenny talks about their life journey–many are called but few are chosen. 

[0:19:22] Staying the Course

An inspiring account of what happened on the way to the Olympic Training Center. When driving in a snowstorm, going too fast, losing focus, or getting distracted could land you in a ditch. So it is in life–distractions can keep you from your goals. With his good grades and football prowess, dad hoped Shawn would get into college on a football scholarship. However, Shawn chose to go all in on professional boxing and he has stayed his course.

[0:23:56] Professional Development 

Kenny Porter has been in boxing for almost 30 years. His early experience was that coaches learned from older coaches. Then it occurred to him that relying on older coaches might mean relying on outdated knowledge, so he embarked on a journey of professional education and development. He started spending time at the Olympic Training Center, enrolled in courses, and eventually became a clinician who certifies other coaches.

[0:26:38] Humility

It takes humility to accept that you can learn from someone else. Books don’t have all the answers–you have to listen to other people if you want to get ahead. For Shawn and Kenny, that means spending time with Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach and others. Their team works well because there’s humility and understanding from everyone, including coach Barry Hunter. 

[0:29:18] Don’t Miss the Big Fight 

Brad gets parenting tips from Kenny and Shawn. When kids trust you, they’ll be more willing to listen to you and it helps if you keep your word. On September 28, watch Shawn take on Errol Spence live at the Staples Center, on Fox Pay Per View, and at AMC theaters. The four welterweight boxing champions are: 

• Shawn Porter (WBC)
• Errol Spence Jr. (IBF)
• Manny Pacquiao (WBA)
• Terence Crawford (WBO)

• WBC
• IBF
• WBA
• WBO
• The Upcoming Unification Match
• Instagram

[0:01:18] I’m the kind of guy that’s got the kind of energy that when you’re around me, you just feel good, you feel great.

[0:09:24] I think that preparation is key.

[0:11:58] In things like boxing, when you start to doubt, wonder, question–just like war–the one that shoots less is the one that loses.

[0:23:30] The preparation and the dedication and the focus–not to let anything take your attention away–has brought him to this point.