Is Akron Native Shawn Porter Friends With NBA Legend LeBron James?

The state of Ohio has a history of bringing out great athletes. The people of the city are all sports enthusiasts, especially of American Football and Wrestling. Ohio is the home of some of the greatest athletes that the US has created. Two-time boxing world champion Shawn ‘Showtime’ Porter and four-time NBA champion LeBron James are both from Ohio.

Not only are they from the same state, but the two are also from the same city, Akron. Early on in his life, James acquired the moniker, ‘The kid from Akron’.

Now both the athletes have put the little city of Akron on the global map. Both athletes are very loyal to their city and state as they proudly represent Ohio and Akron.

What did LeBron James say about Akron?

After leading his team to the finals during the 2016 NBA season, LeBron James fulfilled his promise to his state. It was a promise that he had made in 2014 when he said that he would bring a championship to Cleveland. For James, it was a very special moment to come back to the Cleveland Cavaliers and win a championship with them in the state where he was born and raised.

After ending the 52-year championship drought and bagging the 2016 NBA finals MVP, James said to the world, “I’m LeBron James from Akron, Ohio, from the inner city. I’m not even supposed to be here.”

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Are LeBron James and Shawn Porter friends? 

Both Akron natives know each other and have met on multiple occasions. However, the two are acquaintances and not friends.

Back in 2019, Porter even invited LeBron for his super-fight against Errol Spence Jr.

“I shot the text out to him. I’m not playing around,” the former champion said. “He should be there.”

While LeBron has attended fights such as the Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor collision in 2017, he was not able to make it to the Porter vs Spence Jr. fight back in 2019. That being said, he didn’t refuse the offer.

Watch this story: Shawn Porter Intense Training Routine For His Fight Against Terence Crawford

Hence, we may see LeBron James supporting Shawn Porter ringside in any of his upcoming fights, so keep an eye out for ‘The Kid From Akron’.