Is HOF? No (and I say that as someone who thought he edged Spence). However Porter is world level fighter and fought all the best in a tough divison and had a very good career that he can proud of.
No. He has made A lot of contributions to the sport, was a very fan friendly fighter, became a 2 time World champion, but he lost his signature fights. But, Gatti is in, so never say never!
You know what, why not. Since 2013 he's fought every one at the top of the WW division bar Manny Pacquiao. But Alexander, Malignaggi, Brook, Broner, Thurman, Berto, Garcia, Ugas, Spence and Crawford. Arguably beating all of them apart from Crawford, and even then he was stopped prematurely when arguably up on the cards. A fighter with the career of Porter, in this day and age of cherry picking, diva shenanigans and mismatches should be celebrated. He should inspire a generation of boxers. He never protected his 0. He consistently fought the best, he still made his millions and it would be such a great message to see him venerated as a HOF fighter. I mean he could have out Horned Pacquiao and out Maidanad Mayweather. The boxing community should have nothing but good things to say about this elite fighter. Top 5 WW for 8 years running. 2 time belt holder. Arguably the number 1 in the world when Brook beat him. OK yeah a bit of hyperbole there but who cares. If boxing was full of Porter's it would be a better sport.
He needs to be remembered for what he brought to boxing and he was a champion twice. I say he deserves to be in the hall of fame. He contributed many exciting fights to boxing (same as Gotti ) and if there is a place for Sylvester Stalone, then surely there is a place for Porter.
I think he falls a bit short. He lost to Brook, he lost to Thurman, had a close fight with Danny Garcia, a close one vs Ugas, lost narrowly to Spence, and got stopped by Crawford. He fought the best but didnt do well enough.
Porter was a much better fighter than Gatti. Gatti is in the hall because of his exciting fights. I can see Porter being in there for the same.