Marcus Portman

Bio

Marcus Portman is a West Bromwich boxer who has made a living doing the job that keeps British boxing standing up: turning up in the away corner, taking the fight at short notice, and giving somebody else rounds they badly need.

That is not a criticism. Fighters like Portman are the backbone of the domestic scene. Without durable, willing, professional opponents there is no small-hall boxing, no prospects being developed, and no undercards worth putting on.

He is tough, he is experienced and he does not get blown out. Anyone expecting him to fold in the first round because a former world champion is standing opposite him has not watched much boxing at this level.

On September 26 he boxes James DeGale over six rounds at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, headlining the inaugural Reign event. It is the biggest name of Portman’s career and he will treat it exactly like every other night: seriously.