Amidst the swirl of boxing headlines, an unusual matchup has captured fans’ curiosity. Former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter is set to face Ray Jackson, better known for his internet trolling than any in-ring experience, in what can only be described as a spirited sparring session. Scheduled for May 17 in Las Vegas, the showdown promises entertainment, not just punches.

For one, it doesn’t look like a professional fight. Given it may turn out more playful than punishing, let’s call it a sparring face-off then. Thanks to the spectacle surrounding it, anticipation is running high. Earlier, doubts had surfaced about whether it would happen at all. However, on ‘The PorterWay Podcast,’ Porter and Jackson confirmed that it’s full steam ahead.

Time to make it official!

Jackson, who has gained notoriety through his trolling on X, dialed into the show for an appearance that quickly turned into comedic gold. Porter, joined by co-host Sean Zittel, poked fun at Jackson’s tech troubles and called him out for attending the interview from a bathroom. He jokingly referred to Jackson as his ‘nephew,’ ribbing him for needing help to unmute.

Then came the announcement. “May 17th right here in Las Vegas is going down: Ray Jackson, Ray Forklift Jackson, versus Porter,” said the retired champ. A back-and-forth banter ensued. Porter questioned Jackson’s experience and learned that the novice had only been training for two months. “Did I date your trainer?” Porter teased. He warned he may need Jackson to sign a waiver before stepping into the ring.

Referring to his 2019 clash with Errol Spence Jr., Shawn Porter joked, “You’ve been wanting to whoop my a** ever since I whooped your boy’s a**, Errol Spence.” But he closed on a serious note: “I’ll be seeing you May 17th. Like I said, we’re going; we’ll make sure we put everything else in right, and all that kind of stuff. We’re going to get you out here, we’re going to have a good time, and, uh, get ready.”

Zittel, in an attempt to dig deeper, asked Jackson whether his trolling had a purpose. Perhaps pushing fighters to do better or holding them accountable where the media wouldn’t. The fight may be lighthearted, but Porter insists it’s necessary. And just like that, it’s happening. Likely streamed on his podcast via pay-per-view, ticket details will follow soon.

A forklift fumble? Porter-Jackson nearly canceled

Still, not everything has gone smoothly. Earlier on April 1, a message from Ray Jackson surprised everyone. He tweeted, “@ShowtimeShawnP, @ThePorterWayPod, I need y’all to get in touch with my coach/manager ASAP.” It sparked speculation that negotiations had hit a snag. “Breaking: The announced Shawn Porter vs. Ray Jackson fight is in jeopardy after a disagreement over the purses,” one user wrote.

But if the podcast appearance is any indication, the spar is moving ahead. For Porter, it marks a brief return to the ring nearly five years after his last pro bout against Terence Crawford. For Jackson, it’s a chance to prove he’s more than just a keyboard critic.

Whether it’s spectacle, satire, or a strange mix of both, fans can tune in for a showdown that breaks the mold. One thing’s for sure, Las Vegas is about to witness the internet meet the ring.

Do you think fighters, even former ones, should step into the ring against total novices?