Editorials

Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale | Preview & Prediction

Check out Merissa Dyer’s in-depth preview and prediction for Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale which takes place in Boston on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The bout will be aired live on PBC on NBC.

Strengths For Each Man

Andre Dirrell

Andre Dirrell - Tom casino 1 Photo by Tom Casino

Andre Dirrell can box well period, but especially on the outside. He has a quick, sometimes stiff jab, and his arm reach helps him land it without placing himself too near the line of fire. In addition to hand speed, his defense aids in his efforts. Dirrell has a slick defense comprised of crafty footwork, and head movement energized by quick reflexes.

Dirrell is also known for being able to switch between orthodox and southpaw stances. Though southpaw is his natural stance, what makes Dirrell different than other fighters who switch is that he fully commits to whatever stance he’s in.

The key to using both stances to his advantage is to spend time in one (or both) and figure out how James DeGale adjusts to each stance, and for Dirrell to see what he can get away with. For example, he may find he can box DeGale much better in a southpaw stance, but pop-shot and frustrate him more in an orthodox stance.

 

James DeGale

James DeGale Scott Heavey Getty Images 2 Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images

James DeGale’s strengths might as well be a copy and paste of Andre Dirrell’s. He does however, have plenty of skills to challenge Dirrell and give him a run for his money. DeGale can also box well, has great handspeed, power, sharp punches and a slick style of head movement and footwork-centered defense.

One difference between the two fighters is that DeGale is more willing to throw combinations than Dirrell. This is an excellent one-up on his opponent because DeGale is less likely to be outworked. DeGale is a boxer, but he also has a ruggedness about him that shows he isn’t afraid to get rough in a fight.

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