LAS VEGAS — Terence Crawford has long wanted that big fight against an elite opponent to prove his greatness. He got it Saturday and came up big.
Crawford dropped gritty Shawn Porter twice in the 10th round of a pitched battle. After the second knockdown, Porter’s father/trainer, Kenny Porter, climbed the steps and asked referee Celestino Ruiz to stop the fight
Crawford remained undefeated with his ninth consecutive stoppage. It was a dogged battle, with Porter’s pressure forcing Crawford to lift his game. Crawford retained the WBO welterweight title Saturday before 11,568 at Michelob Ultra Arena with the stoppage 1:21 of the 10th.