Photo by Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Ready, set, flip a coin. Literally, the Vegas betting line hovers in a pick ‘em mode. Both guys are southpaws who can move, box, and have some zip on their punches.
A former 2008 Olympic gold Medalist, the 29 year old James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) has only one defeat to his name. He is jumping the pond leaving London to face Andre Dirrell.
Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) won a Bronze in the 2004 Olympics. The 31 year old will have the home court advantage fighting stateside in Beantown. He, too, has only one loss on his dossier.
Both guys have impressive pedigrees, both amateur and pro. Although this can go either way, I like Dirrell. My gut tells me his jab is better and will take control of the back and forth. I look for him to win by decision.
Prediction: Dirrell
Don Hollingsworth Jr., Correspondent
Andre Dirrell should be able to keep range and ease to a UD victory or possibly a late stoppage against James DeGale.
Prediction: Dirrell
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Since Andre Dirrell was sucker punched and damn near beheaded by Arthur Abraham over five years ago, he’s suffered several indignities. He’s had two long layoffs, gone through some kind of brain injury, and gone through having 50 Cent as his promoter.
We aren’t sure what he can offer at the elite level, since his appearance there was all too brief. He’s 5-0 against terrible opposition, which proves nothing other than he’s not terrible himself. Meanwhile, James DeGale had a solid 2014, and he seems to be on the verge of breaking out. His only loss came to George Groves, himself a solid fighter.
Tough call here. They’re both southpaws, and neither hits with home run power. Can Dirrell get busy? If he can, I think he’s got the skill to pull out a win here. I’m going to bet he does just enough to win a very, very close decision in a not-so-great fight. Dirrell by UD.
Prediction: Dirrell
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Dirrell
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale is a tough one to call. They’re both very good, athletic fighters with a solid amateur background. Also, both guys are southpaws (which could be tricky for each to deal with).
I think whoever starts out quick and dictates the pace with their jab will have the upper hand. If that man is Dirrell, he’ll have to stay disciplined and not get caught with shots down the stretch like he did against Derek Edwards.
Although DeGale is making the trip across the pond, it’ll be interesting to see if the crowd becomes a real “hometown” crowd for Dirrell. The British fans usually travel well and they may rally their man to victory. If Dirrell is sharp, I like him to win by decision, but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if DeGale wins.
Prediction: Dirrell
