Shawn Porter: I've never wanted a fight as bad as I want Thurman

Former welterweight titleholder Shawn Porter, who is coming off of a big win this summer against Adrien Broner, is hoping that the rumors regarding a December 12 fight on Showtime against Keith Thurman pan out, telling the PBC on ESPN team on Wednesday night that he's heard the same as the rest of us.

"I've never wanted a fight as I've wanted this fight with Keith Thurman," Porter said. "I've heard the middle of December, but that's all I know. This will be one of the greatest fights of all time."

While that last part is a little hyperbolic, Porter's enthusiasm for the matchup is obvious. It would be a huge opportunity for the once-beaten Ohioan to knock off a guy seen as a potential new leader in the division. Porter (26-1-1, 16 KO) would come in the underdog for sure, but the 27-year-old would be a live dog at worst. He's won two fights this year, also beating late replacement opponent Erick Bone in March.

Thurman (26-0, 22 KO) has also won twice this year, defeating Robert Guerrero in March and Luis Collazo in July.