The 24 year-old from Ohio scored a career standout points victory over two-time world title challenger Alfonso Gomez last time out and now believes that the time is right to start focusing on some of the bigger challenges in his weight-class.
“I would say that the Gomez victory was definitely my biggest win as a pro and listening to the commentators (on Showtime), this win has moved me into ‘contender’ status – no pun intended,” Porter joked to World Boxing News.
“My team has told me to stay ready, so I don’t have to get ready, and 2013 is the year we expect to get the call for a world title shot.”
Asked whether the likes of WBA and WBO champions Paulie Malignaggi or Tim Bradley, along with duelling IBF title fighter’s Randall Bailey or Devon Alexander would interest him for his shot at the big time, Porter didn’t seem too bothered which carrot is dangled in front of him.
“All three of those fights have my interest and in no particular order,” he stated. “I would love to fight anyone of them at anytime.
“Even though there was a lot of controversy after Bradley’s fight with Pacquiao, and I personally didn’t agree with the decision, but Bradley winning that fight makes him pound for pound one of the best boxers in the world and it’s in the record books so you can’t take it away from him.
“We are in camp now and expect to fight before the year ends, maybe in late November, but I don’t mind hanging on until December if Tim decides to call,” laughed Porter.
“We have no names yet, but I expect to hear something in the next week to ten days and I am ready to establish myself as a force to be respected at 147 and position myself for that shot at a world title so I can’t be overlooked.”
Most of the top fighters in the welterweight division at the moment seem to be scrambling to capture a huge payday with either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, although Porter would be quite content to fulfil his ultimate goal without hunting the two best in the world.
“Whether I get a fight with Floyd or Manny is not on my mind, my ultimate goal is to win the world championship and defend it on a pay-per-view show and that’s when I will feel I have acomplished some of my goals.”
Another marquee name returns to the division in November and his name was of interest to Porter though, who did express his interest in a future battle with two-weight champion Ricky Hatton.
“Ricky Hatton is a great fighter and he should do well in his comeback fight against Senchenko next month and if his team are looking for an opponent for his next fight in 2013, I would answer the call if they want to contact me,” he added.
