Rob Anthony, Contributing Writer
Sakio Bika is a tough customer and is one of the underrated names in the Super Middleweight division. I expect him to edge Anthony Dirrell in their WBC title tilt.
Prediction: Bika
Gabriel Polanco, Contributing Writer
Sakio Bika fights Anthony Dirrell on the undercard of the Zab Judah vs. Paulie Malignaggi bout in Brookyln, NY. Bika, who just claimed the WBC Super Middleweight belt after it was unjustly stripped from Andre Ward earlier this year, is actually somewhat of an underdog in this bout. Many people believe the work rate of Dirrell will overcome Bika’s come forward style. Dirrell is coming off a good summer where he went 2-0, after being completely absent in 2012. Bika’s worst weakness is being out boxed. It happened when he fought Calzaghe, Bute, Ward and even Sam Soliman! I believe Dirrell will outbox Bika to a unanimous decision.
Prediction: Dirrell
Jose Sotomayor, Contributing Writer
Anthony Dirrell will have to box his way to a win in this one. Sakio Bika, the champion, will use his athleticism and strength to try and enforce himself on Dirrell. Bika has a tough chin, heart of a warrior, and tremendous conditioning. Dirrell will look to outbox the older Bika, but will fade late due to the pressure.
Prediction: Bika
Brendan Montenegro, Contributing Writer
I’m going with Anthony Dirrell in this one. Dirrell–coming from the Detroit Kronk Gym–will bring the Kronk attitude. Hard nose, straight forward, no bs attitude. There may be a possible knockout here, and it will be Bika.
Prediction: Dirrell
Juan Carlos Burgos, Contributing Writer
This fight will mentally test Anthony Dirrell as much as it will physically. What Sakio Bika does best is come forward, come forward and come forward. He is rough and durable and can break his opponents down mentally as much as he can physically. Dirrell is in tough. Bika even held his own against Andre Ward. Dirrell must stay composed and fight within himself. The problem is he has not fought fighters that come straight forward and don’t stop punching. I don’t think that Dirrell will crumble under the pressure, but I do think Bika wins with his aggressiveness and punch output.
Prediction: Bika
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Sakio Bika can be hard to watch. He’s added a bit of boxing into his arsenal as of late, but he’s still primarily a rugged, come-forward fighter. I think both Anthony and Andre Dirrell are immensely talented fighters and Anthony will win his first vs. Bika if he can stand the heat. It’s not regular heat or pressure, it’s awkward and uncomfortable and for some fighters it can be too much to handle. I think Dirrell can handle it.
Prediction: Dirrell
