Andre Dirrell vs. Blake Caparello
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
Of the two Dirrell brothers’ fights, this is the more interesting two. Andre Dirrell is coming back from an earnest but clear lose to James DeGale. Blake Caparello’s last big fight was against Sergey Kovalev in 2014. He was able to knockdown Kovalev in the first round. Not a good idea, as a truly pissed off Kovalev beat the snot out of him the next round. Caparello has since gone down in weight and won three straight.
Andre Dirrell’s talents are truly exceptional. It’s just a shame that his skills haven’t translated to the professional level yet. Hopefully against Blake Caparello, he should be able to get back into the mix.
When Dirrell is at his best, he’s sharp and his speed is blinding. He moves masterfully around the ring, displaying spot on timing and reflexes. While Caparello is no slouch, he’s not as physically gifted as Dirrell. Caparello is a solid boxer, but doesn’t quick have the explosiveness to combat Dirrell.
I expect a tactical chess match that Dirrell will mostly dominate, but Caparello will make him work for it. Dirrell by clear decision.
Prediction: Dirrell
Chris Nicastro, Staff Writer
Andre Dirrell, unlike his brother, is not a question of where he went wrong but what he could have been ever since Arthur Abraham viciously clocked him on the canvas back in 2010.
Dirrell’s comeback was impressive until he was beaten up by James Degale last year. But Dirrell’s heart is still with him and in full force as he boxed back to lose a close decision to Degale in the end.
Caparello is another “comeback” fight for him. It should be easy on him as he continues trying to force his way back into the Super Middleweight picture.
Prediction: Dirrell
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Andre Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) is coming off of a narrow loss against James DeGale for a vacant 168-pound world title. Dirrell was understandably dejected after this fight, but after hearing of the opportunity to fight Australian Blake Caparello (22-1- 1, 6 KOs), he discovered the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
Dirrell is excited to get back into the ring after a layoff of more than 11 months. “I’m just a whole new person with a new glow, energized to perform to the best of my abilities anytime I get into that ring,” says Dirrell.
Blake Caparello has spent most of his pro career fighting in his homeland, only twice coming north—both times to New Jersey in 2014—one of which was against Sergey Kovalev. Caparello lost by second-round TKO but not before dropping the still-undefeated champ. Coming off his defeat by Kovalev, he has had three straight unanimous decisions.
Dirrell is easily one the toughest opponents Caparello has faced – aside from Kovalev. Dirrell is returning to the ring Friday night with renewed energy and confidence. With this new mindset of focusing on what lies ahead, I see him using his technical style of boxing, much like his brother Anthony, and landing
powerful combination punches which will be more than enough to come out on top over Caparello. I see this fight going all 10 rounds, with Dirrell winning via unanimous decision.
Prediction: Dirrell
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Andre Dirrell is hoping to get another crack at James DeGale. As it stands, Dirrell is on the outside of the title picture, looking in at Badou Jack and James DeGale who will likely unify this fall (as long as they both win on Saturday night).
We know Dirrell is more athletic and skillful than Blake Caparello, so picking him in this fight is not a shocker. But, what we need to see is an emphatic statement victory. If not, nobody will be clamoring for a DeGale rematch or a shot at any other title holder for Dirrell.
Prediction: Dirrell
