Those Who Shout The Loudest! – Willie Dirrell Says Andre Taking Belt Back Home

05/23/201505/22/2015 Olly Campbell

If there has been an irksome, fly-on-s*** type presence hanging over the media workouts and pressers this week in Boston ahead of tonight’s fight between James DeGale and Andre Dirrell, look no further than the non-boxing brother of the Dirrell family – Willie – who has spoken to iFLtv in between making an ass of himself – to state unequivocally that he believes the IBF 168lb title is going back to Michigan.

Dirrell, who has made it his job to be a professional pain in the backside with regards to this fight – stalking DeGale over Instagram and calling him a loser at the open workout this week – looked even more stupid posting for pictures with his fists raised at the head to head as if it were he getting in the ring and not his brother.

Andre Dirrell and James Degale meet in Memorial Day Matinee on NBC

05/23/201505/21/2015 Chris Carlson

East meets West in a Memorial Day Matinee matchup between James Degale and Andre Dirrell. The card will be broadcast live on NBC from Agganis Arena on the Boston University campus. It pits two one-loss fighters hoping to standout as pros to match their amateur pedigree.

Rarely in life or in boxing do you get a second chance to improve upon your a first impression. Once a fighter loses as a favorite or puts on a poor performance, they can be casted away and shot down the ladder only to have to brush him or herself off and pick up pieces to climb back up again. This generally can be the case for non-popular boxers who don’t have a barn-burner style.

James DeGale Laughs Off Team Dirrell Insults

05/21/201505/21/2015 Olly Campbell

At yesterday’s media workout ahead of Saturday’s PBC on CBS, James DeGale took some time out to chat to iFLtv about the fight and the laughable situation that saw another of the Dirrell brothers, Willie, hijack proceedings – vocally branding the Londoner a loser – among other things – as the assembled media looked on.

DeGale insists he is in better shape than ever ahead of the history making fight for the vacant 168lb IBF strap, which, should he win, means he will become the first British gold medal winning Olympian to go on and win a world title in the paid ranks.

He said;

George Groves Tips DeGale To Beat Dirrell – Eyeing The Rematch

05/21/201505/20/2015 Olly Campbell

WBC 168lb mandatory challenger and long time James DeGale rival George Groves, has tipped his old foe to do the business against Andre Dirrell in Boston on Saturday night, saying;

“He’s in with a chance, a real good chance.”

Groves, who holds victories over the Harlesden fighter in both the amateur and paid ranks, told Sky Sports that while he doesn’t think DeGale can get a stoppage “a points win wouldn’t surprise me.”

DeGale is chasing history when he fights Dirrell by attempting to become the first Brit gold medal winning Olympian to go on and win a world title in the paid ranks. The two men will be contesting the IBF strap recently vacated by Carl Froch.

Carl Froch: Dirrell Was A Coward

05/19/2015 Olly Campbell

Carl Froch has questioned Andre Dirrell’s mentality ahead of Saturday’s PBC fight with James DeGale, writing in his Sky Sports column that “the computer might not be working” with regards to the American’s mental effectiveness – something that has been referenced continually since the 2010 fight with Arthur Abraham in which Dirrell suffered neurological injuries.

Froch, whose former IBF belt the 2 men are contesting at the weekend, fought Dirrell himself back in 2009 as part of the Super Six tournament – getting the nod for what was widely perceived as a hometown (split) decision in the eyes of many – especially the Americans.

Dirrell Is A New Man Ahead Of DeGale

05/19/201505/19/2015 Olly Campbell

Michigan’s Andre Dirrell, who on Saturday night goes up against stand-out British gold medal winning Olympian James DeGale for the vacant IBF 168lb strap, has spoken out to the Daily Star ahead of the crunch contest, to warn his rival he is a changed man from the bold and abrasive character he once was.

British fans will remember Dirrell from his 2009 fight with Carl Froch. A fight most are loathe to admit he was extremely unlucky to lose.

The pre fight abuse of Dirrell by the British fans was something to behold with the American and his team rising to the bait beforehand, insulting Froch’s mother in fight week and acting every bit the loud, obnoxious and arrogant fighter he now concedes was just a part he WANTED to play.

What side of the pond will the IBF Super Middle Weight title land, when James Degale and Andre Dirrell square off?

05/18/201505/18/2015 Adam Kallanous

May 23rd DeGale, and Dirrell will climb into the ring, and one will return home with an impressive red belt, and a second chance at stardom. Both of these men are at a critical point in their careers, and each has traveled a rocky path to arrive. Despite bringing home a gold medal in 2008 Olympics, DeGale was far from a fan favorite. The crowd erupted in boos as Chunky made his pro debut.

He later played the villain during the lead up to a George Groves clash, and further estranged his fan base.

After losing for the first time however, DeGale was humbled. He made changes, and not only sharpened his boxing acumen, but also polished his people skills. He went on to have a 10 fight winning streak, and win a European title. Now he is boxing for a world title.

DeGale Says He’ll Make History / Froch Rules Himself Out – ‘DeGale v Dirrell’

05/18/2015 Olly Campbell

This coming Saturday, Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions format attempts to deliver once again with the clash between Britain’s gold medal winning Olympian James DeGale and Michigan native Andre Dirrell for the IBF 168lb title that was recently vacated by Nottingham’s Carl Froch.

DeGale, who is hoping to become the first gold medal winning British Olympian in history to go on and win a world title in the pro game, has spoken to Sky Sports ahead of the eagerly anticipated battle of two tricky southpaws to insist he firmly believes that Saturday is his destiny and everything he has worked so hard for will culminate in championship gold around his waist.

DeGale – Dirrell And Beyond

04/08/2015 Olly Campbell

James DeGale, who for this writer is Britain’s best and most exciting 168lb fighter, has today been talking to Sky Sports in the UK ahead of his attempt at shattering Andre Dirrell’s “American dream” when the two men meet for the vacant IBF world title on May 23rd in Boston, Mass.

DeGale will travel Stateside after purse bids for the fight were won by Warriors Boxing in an extraordinary $3 million show of financial strength by the outfit who are closely affiliated with influential manager Al Haymon.

James DeGale to become first ever British Olympian to win a world title

02/16/201502/15/2015 James Sexton

James DeGale has been waiting for his chance for a long while now. The one setback on his resume was a close and controversial mixed decision to George Groves back in 2011 and since then has won European and WBC Silver titles. DeGale has really been making an impact recently since joining with Matchroom sports. In his last three bouts he has three knockouts. Two over undefeated fighters and the third over highly rated Marco Antonio Periban. His record now stands at 20 – 1 – 0 with fourteen knockouts, and he is ready for the world stage.

Andre Dirrell is certainly going to be a tough test for DeGale and whilst I would put my money on him, I can understand this is a 50-50 fight for a lot of people.