Dirrell Wants DeGale Rematch Above All Else

By Olly Campbell - 06/06/2015 - Comments

After narrowly losing out in his challenge for the vacant IBF 168lb title to Britain’s James DeGale at the end of last month on Al Haymon’s PBC format, Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell, has spoken to fighthype.com to insist that he wants to do it all again and is prepared to come to the UK to do so.

The American essentially lost the fight due to two early knockdowns, that despite a spirited comeback, were enough to win DeGale the fight, even when it appeared the Harlesden man was flagging in the final third of the contest.

While I still feel the Brit was the deserving winner, it’s entirely possible that without said knockdowns, Dirrell could have battled to a draw, or possibly even nicked the win. And for that reason, a rematch could certainly be very intriguing, should DeGale choose to grant it.

Dirrell said;

“I want it bad and yes I am willing to travel overseas to do so. The O2 Arena? (London) Wherever he (DeGale) feels comfortable. I believe in the rematch I’ll be that much better.”

“Rematches have defined a lot of fighters, man. You can’t say that the solid definition of the IBF super middleweight champion – there is no solid definition in James DeGale. You can’t say he is the champion and mean that with confidence. Whatever he thinks he knows, it’ll be a much better match if we did it again.”

And it would seem Dirrell is focused solely on getting the Beijing Olympian back between the ropes as soon as is humanly possible, insisting he isn’t looking at any other options at 168 right now – purely a DeGale 2 scrap.

“I don’t wanna think about others right now, ’cause that’s the fight I want and I want it in the worst way.”

“James DeGale is the guy I have my eye on, I don’t want anyone else (atm). Of course everyone else is out there and of course I wanna fight them but I just came of a loss man and I want the rematch. That championship means everything to me.”

Twitter @Undilutedpoison