Undefeated Shawn is heading into the fight on the back of a career-best win over Devon Alexander in December and makes the first defence of the belt he took from the two-weight titlist in Brooklyn, New York.
Kenny Porter was blunt when asked what he first thought of the contest being made by Golden Boy, but had no hesitation in backing Shawn to overcome the ‘Magic Man’ and retain the title he worked so hard to claim.
“The fight is here and we welcome it,” Porter told World Boxing News.
“Malignaggi is a good fighter and we are looking forward to an exciting fight, but expect a dominant performance on April 19.”
The 26 year-old has beaten every opponent he has faced since turning pro in 2008, having meticulously elevated his class of foe to eventually be a major player in the division.
A fight with Floyd Mayweather is the obvious target for all the champions at 147, although Porter now has to prove that he has what it takes to deal with another ex-title holder in Malignaggi – in his bid to move closer to a dream unification fight.
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