AP, California :
Kell Brook of Englandwon a majority decision over Shawn Porter on Saturday night to take Porter’s IBF welterweight title.
Brook claimed his first world title in just his second fight outside Britain, outpointing the American champion with a smart game plan and consistent elusiveness at the outdoor StubHub Center south of Los Angeles.
Brook (33-0) won 117-111 and 116-112 on two American judges’ cards, while English judge Dave Parris scored it a 114-114 draw. The Associated Press scored it 115-113 for Brook.
“Since I was 9 years old, I’ve been training to be a champion,” Brook said. “I looked scrappy, but I did what I have to do.”
Omar Figueroa also stopped Daniel Estrada early in the ninth round to defend his WBC lightweight title belt in an entertaining action fight, and Anthony Dirrell claimed Sakio Bika’s WBC 168-pound title with a messy rematch victory.
With a small coterie of English fans cheering his moves, Brook stayed outside the champion’s power range and held inside when necessary, never allowing Porter (24-1-1) to find a consistent range in his first defeat.
Brook had a canny game plan from the start, keeping Porter at bay with his superior reach and landing well-timed shots when Porter attempted to force the action. Both fighters were cut early on by accidental head-butts, but the injuries didn’t appear to affect them.
Brook became more assertive in the later rounds, stalking Porter to the ropes while landing cleaner punches. The Englishman connected with several big shots in a dominant 11th round and finished impressively, getting carried on his cornermen’s shoulders after the final bell.
“I dealt with business,” Brook said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling, and I can’t get my head around it.”
Brook landed 36 percent of his 441 punches, while Porter connected with just 25 percent of his 626 shots. Brook thoroughly outjabbed Porter, who threw 308 more power punches, but landed a much lower percentage.
Porter won his title with lopsided decision over Devon Alexander last December, and the Akron, Ohio, fighter followed it up with a four-round stoppage of Paulie Malignaggi in April.
But Porter never managed to unleash his vicious left hook consistently in his second title defense.
“I thought that I was effective with my attack, but he was ready,” Porter said. “I’m not giving any excuses. I want the rematch. I’ll find him where he’s at, and I’ll take it from him.”
Brook is much more interested in a lucrative matchup with fellow British champion Amir Khan, who tweeted his congratulations to Brook moments after the fight ended.
