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The focus of the boxing world turns towards Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter will battle in a 147-pound title eliminator on Saturday night.
“In a welterweight division that is filled with talent and marquee matchups, Berto versus Porter is another elimination bout on the road to crowning the king of the division,” said promoter Lou DiBella, “Berto and Porter are two established, offensive-minded professionals who understand the significance of this showdown. I expect fireworks on April 22 when one of them stakes claim to an even bigger opportunity.”
Though he’s coming off a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Keith Thurman, “Showtime” Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) is regarded as a significant favorite. But Berto, who knocked out Victor Ortiz in impressive fashion in his last fight, has the power to instantly prove the oddsmakers wrong.
Throw in a title fight between Jermell Charlo and Charles Hatley, as well as Amanda Serrano going for a record fifth world title, and it’s going to be an entertaining night in New York.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Berto vs. Porter Viewing Info
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2017
TV Channel, USA: Showtime; Coverage starts at 9:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel, UK: Sky Sports; Coverage starts at 2 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, April 23
Fight Card and Odds (Courtesy of OddsShark):
Light Heavyweight: Joseph Williams vs. Felipe Romero
Welterweight: Kenny Robles vs. TBA
Welterweight: Richardson Hitchins vs. Alexander Picot
Cruiserweight: Earl Newman vs. TBA
Welterweight: Julian Sosa vs. Emmanuel Valadez
Super Lightweight: Jonathan Alonso vs. Jose Miguel Borrego
WBO World Female Bantamweight Title Fight: Amanda Serrano vs. Dahiana Santana
WBC World Super Welterweight Title Fight: Jermell Charlo (-1200) vs. Charles Hatley (+675)
Welterweight: Shawn Porter (-600) vs. Andre Berto (+400)