Errol Spence vs Shawn Porter live stream: Free links to watch welterweight fight spread online amid piracy crisis
Boxing fans will seek pirated streams on social media sites though experts warn there are major hidden risks
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IBF Champion Errol Spence Jr is set to take on WBC Champion Shawn Porter in a welterweight fight that will unite the boxing division.
The bout will be available on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, and on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View in the US.
However, some may be tempted to turn to illegal streams.
LIVE: FOLLOW UPDATES OF SPENCE VS PORTER
A recent report from the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, the UK's film, TV and video industry's consumer education body, revealed the extent of online piracy when it came to major sporting events, with figures suggesting illegal streaming has hit "peak levels" in 2019.
Major boxing contests in recent months have seen free live streams spread across the internet in the build-up to the fight, with pirated links shared across social media platforms. Countless pirated streams also appear on major search engines.
June's heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz saw over 13 million people around the world use unauthorised channels to watch the upset, according to figures from digital piracy authority Muso.
The increased levels have led industry figures to warn of the "very real risks" to people seeking out pirated online streams of the fight.
While many pirate sites seek to generate revenue through their illegal streams by hosting numerous pop-up ads to their websites, some look to underhand methods of gaining even more illicit income.
These tactics range from malware that hijacks a person's computer in order to secretly mine cryptocurrency, to sophisticated phishing attacks designed to steal a person's credit card details.
“Fake sites and redirects are a popular tactic used by cyber criminals and the fans paying to watch tonight’s match need to be aware of them, even if they look legitimate," Joseph Woodruff, a threat intelligence analyst at cyber security firm EclecticIQ, told The Independent.
"Cyber criminals use these sites to target users by telling them they have malware on their machine, recommending they call a support number and during the phone call, installing software which allows them into the system. It’s from here that other damage can be done, whether that is stealing payment details or installing ransomware."
Round five: Spence 49-48 Porter
A more even round. Nothing landing too cleanly for either men but they're both using up a lot of energy, still getting in close.
As the rounds go on Spence will need to reestablish his distance if he wants success.
Round six: Spence 59-57 Porter
This is such a tough fight to score, another close round.
I'll give that one to Spence who just got back to his jab a little bit more, Porter didn't get anything through too cleanly.
Round seven: Spence 68-67 Porter
Very good round for Porter who stayed in close and landed a number of good body shots, using his feet to get away at the right time and he is providing a lot of trouble for Spence.
Round eight: Spence 78-76 Porter
Much better from Spence there, who recognises the situation he's in and doesn't want to leave it up to the judges.
Spence controls the distance much better gets the double jab going but Porter still lands a few. I edge that one to Spence.
Round nine: Spence 88-85 Porter
Porter loses his footing at one stage but steps back in to snap Spence's head back with a lovely straight left hand.
Spence landed more clean punches but that one really could have gone either way.
Round 10: Spence 98-95 Porter
This is so difficult to score. The bell goes at the end of the round with both men trading and neither men edged that one for men.
Round 11: Spence 108-103 Porter
A huge moment! Spence unleashes and Porter touches the canvas, but he shows so much heart to get through the round. A 10-8 to Spence.
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