MICHIGAN NATIVE FACES BRIT IN BOSTON?
Las Vegas, NV– Influential boxing manager Al Haymon’s “dog and pony show” also known as Premier Boxing Champions goes on the road Saturday, this time making it’s way to the obscure Agganis Arena in Beantown.
DeGale aiming for victory on Saturday
In the main event Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) of Flint, Michigan, faces 2008 Olympic Gold medalist James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) of London, England for the vacant IBF super-middleweight title. The fight will be broadcast live on NBC at 130 PM PT/430 PM ET.
DIRRELL INACTIVE, DEGALE ON ROLL
DeGale is the fighter that appears to have good momentum going into this match. In his last fight he was impressive in stopping former world title challenger Marco Antonio Perban in three rounds. Prior to that, he stopped Andre Ward’s stablemate Brandon Gonzalez (then 18-0) inside of four frames. Ironically Dirrell has only fought five times in the last five years. The opposition during that span isn’t even worth the mention.
SOUTHPAW DEGALE WITH THE EDGE
While this may not be the second coming of Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward, this bout is a pretty even fight on paper. DeGale does have the slight edge. The left-hander appears to be the more confident and the tougher of the two combatants. Although early in his career he was criticized for fighting in a somewhat negative style, the Brit’s been more offensive minded recently and as a result had some more impressive victories. Dirrell’s more cautious and safety first style might cost him in what this writer believes will be either a points win for the Brit, or a late stoppage.
TWO BANGERS ON TELEVISED UNDERCARD
The televised undercard features the return of Edwin Rodriquez (26-1, 17KOs). He faces unknown puncher Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs). Last time Rodriguez was on the big stage he was embarrassed in a wide points loss to Andre Ward at 168. Now fighting at 175, it will be interesting to see how he does at the new weight.
Kevin Perry