“Being the first fight in primetime on CBS since Muhammad Ali is very significant,” Porter said from his training camp in Las Vegas on Wednesday. “It makes me want to go out there and do something inspiring. 

“Muhammad Ali opened up the door for so many people,” added Thurman out of his training facility in St. Petersburg, Florida. “Michael Jordan changed the game in our era, but Ali did it so long ago.

“He showed people that boxing is a great sport and can be the most entertaining sport in the world.”

Thurman (26-0, one no contest and 22 KOs) and Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs) hope to do the same in just over two weeks on the corners of Atlantic and Flatbush avenues, where they will battle it out for Thurman’s WBA welterweight crown  in what many boxing experts predict will be a surefire Fight of the Year candidate.

Originally scheduled for Feb. 17 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, the bout was moved back and ultimately changed venues when Thurman came down with an injury suffered in a traffic accident.

After a six-week break in his training, Thurman got back in the gym and refocused his attention on completing a sixth successful title defense since he won the belt back in 2013.

“For me, it’s almost like a dream come true,” he said. “It’s surreal. I remember at an early age in boxing saying, ‘I want to be the guy that brings boxing back.’ I’m really blessed to be where I am in my career. For all the fighters who could end up on this stage, I’m proud that I’ve been chosen.”

Porter, who lost his IBF welterweight title in a majority decision to Kell Brock in 2014, is chomping at the bit to get back into the stratosphere with the sport’s biggest starts.

Beating Thurman in Downtown Brooklyn before a national television audience would doubtlessly fulfill that need. 

“Keith’s injury gave me enough time to make extra sure that I had everything I needed to get ready for this fight,” Porter noted.

“I think the fight is bigger since it’s been postponed,” he added. “Taking it to Barclays Center is something that is special for the sport of boxing. I won my first championship there [on July 12, 2013 vs. Devon Alexander), and I look forward to keeping up the recent history of great fights at Barclays Center.”

Unlike Ali, however, who took to taunting his opponents openly before a bout, Thurman and Porter have been friends outside the ring for many years, dating to their amateur days, keeping the pre-fight hostilities for this one at a minimum.

“We sparred for about two weeks together but it was a while ago,” Porter revealed. “The biggest change has been mental. There are things you learn and grow out of. I’m a lot different. Still some of the same skills but definitely stronger mentally.”

“I’m ready for Shawn Porter,” said Thurman. “We’re going to box harder, box stronger and box better. I will be the better man.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. 

Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

* * *

LIU-Brooklyn track standouts Brendon Rodney and Mica-Johnathan Petit-Homme are still chasing their respective dreams in Eugene, Oregon.

Both Blackbirds advanced to the finals of their events at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Wednesday, with Rodney grabbing a spot in Friday’s 200-meter dash final while Petit-Homme is among the last men standing in the 400-meter hurdles.

By advancing past the semifinal round for the first time in their distinguished careers, both men have secured First Team All-American status.

Rodney, a graduate student at the Downtown school, finished with a time of 20.40 in the third and final heat, finishing second behind Tennessee’s Christian Coleman.

Petit-Homme, a senior, put up a time of 50.49 in the second heat of the 400-meter hurdles Wednesday after being seeded 11th heading into the race.

Unfortunately, LIU’s 4×100-meter relay team was unable to reach the finals as Rodney, senior Tyquan Dukes, junior Delano Davis and freshman Caleb Williams finished fifth in their heat, taking 12th overall to earn Second Team All-American accolades.

Petit-Homme and Rodney will complete their careers as Blackbirds Friday with the 400-meter hurdles scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, and Rodney’s dash in the 200 to follow immediately after.

Both races, along with the rest of the final day of the men’s national competition, can be seen on ESPN.

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