STACK: What is your biggest source of motivation?
Porter: I want to make everyone at home, my family and friends, happy. Knowing that a good victory or championship comes with recognition, and being rated number one, also keep me motivated. It’s all about being called number one.

STACK: What are your athletic goals for the next couple years?
Porter: Right now, my main goal is to make the Olympic team. I made the Pan American team in February, and fought in the Pan American games last July. Now I’m looking to make the 2008 Olympic team. From there, I want a successful professional career.

STACK: How do you mentally prepare yourself to fight?
Porter: I visualize the match and what I’ve trained to do. I go through the match in my head and work through my plan of what I want to do to the guy. I try to stay as focused as I can and just listen to my trainer—my dad.

STACK: Do you get nervous before big fights?
Porter: Some of the international fights get me a little nervous, because I’m out there representing the United States, so that adds pressure. I do a little stretching, listen to music and warm up to get my mind off the match.

STACK: Do you have any pre-fight rituals?
Porter: When I get into the ring, I start circling it. I started doing that when I was eight, and I will keep doing that as long as I box. I also say a quick prayer with my dad. That’s our special thing.

STACK: What’s it like having your father in your corner?
Porter: It’s good. We’ve been working together for so long, it’s like we’re one person. He’ll be ready to yell something during a match, and I’ll do it right when he’s about to say it. I really want to please him and make him happy, so I know if I do the things he wants me to do, he will be happy and proud.

STACK: What song will you enter the ring to for your first professional title match?
Porter: There’s a song by Jay Z called “The Ruler’s Back.” I would like to let everyone know that the ruler’s back—and I’m the next ruler.

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