DeGale v Dirrell - Who wins?

[dbf]

Just see Degale lunging in at times and looking clumsey. But I think Degale is the fitter of the two and could get to Dirrell later in the fight but his punches can be wide and a little slappy sloppy at times. Dirrell talent and skills wise is right up there, but his footspeed is not what it was and his heart and desire will always be a big question mark for me.

I fancy Dirrell to get the nod on points winnings 8-4 probably. Degale will have some fleeting success but Dirrell's ability to switch hit and make Degale miss plenty will get to James.

[Bard of Boxrec]

The more I think about this, the more I can see Degale being completely clowned by Dirrell on the night.

Degale needs to hope his inactivity has hurt him.

The only way Dirrell loses is if he blows it himself. By being too negative and spoiling.

Victory is in the hands of Andre, but is he man enough to take it nowadays ? hopefully not and Degale wins against the odds, but going with Andre UD.

I see this too. Dirrell is technically better. I see him timing James and his slapping, bumbling attack and making him pay. I think he is going to catch Degale often as he comes in. However Dirrell did look a bit flat footed against Brinson...so I see Degale having success too but Dirrell will run out a winner on the cards.

[big lennox]

I think DeGale will stop him. Should be a very good, high quality match to watch.

Be great if he could, but most people couldn't hit him with a fistful of dry rice.

Funny, but he was a lot more happy to trade in the amateurs than has as a professional.

Very true - I just wonder whether DeGale has an underrated toughness and might be able to make Dirrell fight at a pace that he is not comfortable with. I am really looking forward to this one, as I appreciate both of their styles.

[digzee]

I hope Dirrell doesn't come in a few pounds over the limit to try and get an advantage. These NBC/Hayman shows/fighter's have a habit of that.

I see an 8-4 to Dirrell win if he's at his old best but that's nothing to ashamed of for James, if Dirrell had Froch's heart, stamina and will to win he could have beat Ward.

[whiskey]

Very true - I just wonder whether DeGale has an underrated toughness and might be able to make Dirrell fight at a pace that he is not comfortable with. I am really looking forward to this one, as I appreciate both of their styles.

Degale's corner team work is going to be very important in this fight. They've got to keep him alert and thinking, instead of frustrated/emotional.

He's got to avoid following Dirrell around the outskirts of the ring, Andre likes to slip and slide as his opponent comes in throwing. Degale did a similar thing (out of frustration) when he constantly went looking for Groves and it backfired a little for him.

I wonder if they will have a gigantic ring on the night..

[whiskey]

I hope Dirrell doesn't come in a few pounds over the limit to try and get an advantage. These NBC/Hayman shows/fighter's have a habit of that.

I see an 8-4 to Dirrell win if he's at his old best but that's nothing to ashamed of for James, if Dirrell had Froch's heart, stamina and will to win he could have beat Ward.

It's an IBF title fight, so he'd forfeit winning the belt if he comes in heavy mate.

But yes, there is a worrying trend of fighters coming in at odd weights. Maybe it's a strategy to keep their belts out of the equation and to avoid sanctioning fees.

[big lennox]

Very true - I just wonder whether DeGale has an underrated toughness and might be able to make Dirrell fight at a pace that he is not comfortable with. I am really looking forward to this one, as I appreciate both of their styles.

Degale's corner team work is going to be very important in this fight. They've got to keep him alert and thinking, instead of frustrated/emotional.

He's got to avoid following Dirrell around the outskirts of the ring, Andre likes to slip and slide as his opponent comes in throwing. DeGale did a similar thing (out of frustration) when he constantly went looking for Groves and it backfired a little for him.

I wonder if they will have a gigantic ring on the night..

When DeGale was on Channel 5 he seemed to lack focus and switched off during fights,and I think most of the top 10 would have beaten him at that stage but, of late, he seems to have developed higher levels of concentration and is punching with more authority. Dirrell is so hard to nail, though -not an easy assignment for anyone, including Ward, but I am hoping that DeGale, because he knows what it is like to be tricky himself, won't get frustrated by Dirrell. Really good fight, this one.

[magwitch]

Buncey's in the Independent today and he's making a thing about home advantage. I think Bunce is trying to say Degale is up against it in Boston and he either doesn't expect him to win, or wouldn't be surprised to see them go with Dirrell. For two fighters that have put on one or two bore-fests, I think it could be a cracking fight.

[Bard of Boxrec]

So...the countdown is on, will the BUTURE BE FRIGHT for Chunky in this bout?

Dirrell by gruelling decision.

[ste1983]

Degale competitive but comfortable decision for me, say 8 rounds to 4 but scored a bit closer.

[mickey1975]

Groves tipped Dirrell in Boxing News, DeGale on Sky.

[littlekinny]

degale is hugely under rated imo. his loss to groves was a toss up. i genuinely believe froch isade for him. maybe not so much direll bu t still hink hes world class.

incidentally im not at home til tomorrow. please can someone tell me if this is on allegedly or ss.

[jameswilson]

Groves tipped Dirrell in Boxing News, DeGale on Sky.

Everything for a reason.

[palooka]

Even George can change his mind, I've changed mine before. I hope DeGale wins he's very talented and he has to take the bout by the scruff of the neck and boss it.

[Broomhall]

long as he dont switch off as he sometimes can I think Degale can win this.

[Stuarty]

Just watched the weigh in online there. Jim Watt has already started casting dread over DeGale! I think I may have to watch this with the sound off tomorrow

[MightyWarrior]

Jesus, Watt was doing the same with Brook v Porter .....he's doomed I tell yee, dooooooomed

[MightyWarrior]

http://youtu.be/vxTiF06B7Mo

Without commentary ...


They said it's getting a bit heated at the weigh in, but looks to me like there's a lot of respect going on

DeGale is a born winner, I reckon the difference will be JD wants this more.

[Bodyshot3]

Jesus, Watt was doing the same with Brook v Porter .....he's doomed I tell yee, dooooooomed

Definitely more than a touch of Frazer the gloomy, dark and macabre Scottish undertaker from Dad's Army about Jim W these days......"it was a dark, stormy night I tell thee and the hounds were baying on the black glen and I was digging a grave for a poor, wee laddie."

[Monte Fisto]

I was quite confident in degale taking this, and I'm not changing my mind just yet. However, I do think he looks the more fazed out of the two when they come face to face. This is a huge occasion for degale and I hope it doesn't get the better of him.

[handsofstone]

Haven't seen the face to face yet but I'm still plumping for a DeGale win,maybe even by a late stoppage

[Coco]

De gale will lose a close one a la Groves

[Old Jack J]

Dirrell 116-112.

I foresee a boring technical bout with Dirrell taking an early unsurmountable lead before Degale realises he needs to be busier and wins the last 4 rounds.

PS :- Thats my scorecard but the home judges may have it wider.

[Tarkus]

Dirrell 116-112.

I foresee a boring technical bout with Dirrell taking an early unsurmountable lead before Degale realises he needs to be busier and wins the last 4 rounds.

PS :- Thats my scorecard but the home judges may have it wider.

Which home judges are you talking about, Howard Foster? I think officials are as neutral as they come.

[Bard of Boxrec]

Dirrell looks kind of gaunt.