Anthony Dirrell vs. Caleb Truax
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
Nothing emphatic to say about these two fights really, other than I see both Dirrell brothers–Andre and Anthony–boxing to a decision win over their opponents.
Prediction: Dirrell
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
This is a strange type of fight. Is this another comeback fight for Anthony Dirrell? Some sort of matchup between two top super middleweight contenders? A blatant mismatch? Well, whatever it is, it’s not going to end well for fringe contender Caleb Truax.
Truax was given a shot at middleweight title holder Danny Jacobs last year, where he was completely outclassed and knocked out. Now he’s going up in weight to take on Dirrell, who’s trying to get back into the top 168-pound roster.
Dirrell should have no problem with Truax, his sheer physicality should be enough to overwhelm his opponent. Truax offers nothing that might upset Dirrell.
Hopefully, beating up Truax will propel Dirrell into bigger, better fights. Dirrell by early TKO.
Prediction: Dirrell
Chris Nicastro, Staff Writer
If Anthony Dirrell can’t pull this one out his career is on the rocks for sure. He dropped a huge L to Badou Jack this time last year. He couldn’t hurt a washed up Marco Antonio Rubio—one that was clearly there as a punching bag.
Dirrell doesn’t have much left to do in the 168 division and the gatekeeper label awaits. Truax is an easy win for him, but he’ll need to be impressive if he wants to remain in the championship level picture.
Truax is a smaller guy. I see Dirrell outworking him with his size for 10 rounds without issue.
Prediction: Dirrell
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Anthony Dirrell (21-1- 1, 22 KOs) takes on Caleb Truax (26-2- 2, 16 KOs) Friday night at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Dirrell may be favored to win this fight, but I expect Truax to make it an extremely competitive bout. Dirrell is known for being a great technical fighter with a high ring IQ and an ability to adjust to his opponents. He sticks to his game plan when coming into fights and packs power in both hands, making him a dangerous fighter to face.
Truax is also a technical fighter, but he tends to lean on the defensive side and only take chances when they open up. Truax has a reputation for being a fighter who can take a punch as well as hang in there with fighters who may be more talented than him.
Even though Dirrell is coming into this fight as a considerable favorite, he doesn’t view Truax as a walkover, saying “I’m definitely not looking beyond this next guy, he’s a warrior, but I’m looking to get outta there so I can continue to prove to the world that I’m a true champion.”
I am expecting a great technical fight, with Dirrell being the aggressor. Though I think this fight is going to be a competitive one, I believe Dirrell will come out on top. His aggressive offense, combinations and punching power will be the difference in this fight and lead him to a victory.
Prediction: Dirrell
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Caleb Truax is mouthy on Twitter and lousy in the ring. Wish it were the other way around. Anthony Dirrell has skills, but he needs to let the dog out early and make a statement by stopping Truax.
When you’re getting served pitches down the middle, you have to start hitting them out of the park. Dirrell missed on Marco Antonio Rubio, he needs to make it happen against Truax.
Prediction: Dirrell
