The pair fought on Saturday night in a rare high-profile occasion for Crawford, and the win was the precursor for his rival to announce his retirement.

Speaking to ESPN in the ring after the fight, the champion explained his victory.

“I figured that I had the reach and he had to take chances to come in,” Crawford said.  

“And he did what he normally does. He tried to maul and push me back, but I used my angles and I pushed him back at times as well.”

Nevertheless, Crawford was happy to give Porter some credit, saying: “Shawn Porter is a slick fighter. He was doing some things in there and made me think.”