Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this weekend but the build-up to the fight is being dominated by talk of the stipulated catchweight for the bout.
The fight is taking place at a catchweight of 144lbs, which means Porter is having to drop down to a weight below his usual 147lbs weight class to make the fight happen. Not only that, but there is also a rehydration clause involved that stipulates that Porter cannot rehydrate beyond 154lbs after the weigh-in on Friday.
Porter has fought as high as junior middleweight in his career and is a big 147lber, whilst Broner is a more natural 140lb fighter. The catchweight in-between seems logical, but the advantage is with Broner who will not have to struggle down to make a lighter weight. Porter insists the weight restrictions shouldn’t be a factor on the night, but the welterweight is irked by his opponents refusal to talk about the contracted weight limits.
”We’ve known for weeks now that the contracted weight is supposed to be 144.” said Porter.
”Here we are doing everything we need to do as professionals to be on weight, be on point, be 100% and the ‘kid’ who chose to make the contracted weight 144 wishes not to talk about the contracted weight, wishes not to talk about any rehydration clause, wants to avoid any conversation involving weight limits or anything like that.
”And the more we talk about it, the more and more the animosity sets in because I’m a professional doing what I do at this high level for so long and my weight class is 147 for so long.
”You want to move up into my weight, then move up. Don’t be scared. Don’t be worried. Don’t be afraid. Put your skill on the line along with your record. Put it all on the line at 147. Don’t put it at 144, then not want to talk about it.”
Broner likely thinks that the catchweight could well take away from any potential victory on Saturday night in the eyes of some fans and would rather not publicize the clause any further. Although, Porter and his team knew exactly what they were getting into when they signed the contract in the first place.
Both men have just one defeat each on their record heading into Saturday night.’