The Winner and Why
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When it came time to choose Andre Dirrell or James DeGale as the favorite, I thought I was better off flipping a coin. Fights are great when the matchups are 50/50. They’re particularly special when both fighters are evenly matched and have an uncanny resemblance in style. For real boxing fans, and those who actually practice the sport, the Dirrell vs. DeGale matchup is a chance to witness what happens when a fighter faces a mirror of himself.
There are mainly three tiebreakers in a case such as this. One man proves to be the smarter fighter; one man outworks the other fighter; one man has a greater will to win. I have confidence that DeGale is good for at least two out of three tiebreakers.
DeGale is a solid fighter who is elusive, crafty and confident enough to be aggressive, and get rough when necessary. He also isn’t afraid to let his hands go, which is a bit of contrast from Dirrell, who can be a bit of a slow starter. DeGale executes pressure in all the right ways—ones that work for him has a boxer and that challenge someone like Dirrell who has the same style.
I see this fight going the distance, with a decision in favor of DeGale.
