“There is less room for argument among the second tier, and even less after the main event at Barclays Center on Saturday night, where “Showtime” Shawn Porter won a narrow, unanimous decision over Danny “Swift” Garcia. Porter and Garcia are good fighters; they made a good fight. Alas, it was a fight regrettably short on hurt; slow-motion replay and some explanation would be required to identify the one or two moments where either man was concerned about landed leather. But the fighters punched purposefully and effectively enough to swing momentum, responding to each other’s successes with a spirit befitting their trade, and if that makes only for a good fight, well, who doesn’t enjoy a good fight?”

Read Regrettably Short on Hurt: On Shawn Porter-Danny Garcia on Hannibal Boxing.

“As for the elder Russian on the card? He did not fare so well. Fourteen months ago, Andre Ward bullied Sergey Kovalev beyond the threshold of his fitness and resolve and pocketed forever the aura of menace Kovalev had rightfully earned. Lost with that aura was a disproportionate amount of respect for Kovalev’s craft; two fights into the comeback trail Kovalev, 32-3-1 (28), showed enough of the skill and power that distinguished his title reign to suggest that, provided Ward remained beyond the ropes, light heavyweight might be Krushed anew. Could anyone entertain such an idea now?”

Read Dividing Line: Eleider Alvarez Shocks Sergey Kovalev, Light Heavyweight Division on Hannibal Boxing.

“Still, Garcia was near flawless again, his craft augmented by the contrast Easter provided. Easter waved amateurishly at Garcia’s feints while Garcia caught those punches he chose not to slip on his guard, barely compromising his potential to counter; Easter threw desperately, his punches serving mostly as a diversion under which to retreat while Garcia launched his with textbook form. And when Easter made clear his intent to see the final bell Garcia showed he could lead some, using head movement and timing to get inside while keeping the action lukewarm—just how he likes it.”

Read Great Assumptions: Mikey Garcia Calls Out Errol Spence on Hannibal Boxing.