(LAS VEGAS, NEV.) – Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (Flint, Mich.) (18-1, 13 KOs) will make his long-awaited Detroit debut on Saturday, March 27 in a super middleweight clash with former middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (Berlin, Germany) (31-0, 25 KOs) at Joe Louis Arena. The fight will kick off the second round of the SHOWTIME Super Six Super Middleweight tournament, and be broadcast live to millions on SHOWTIME. After traveling to enemy territory for his opening bout of the tournament against WBC Champion Carl Froch, Dirrell will enjoy the chance to compete in front of his hometown fans in his fight with Abraham. The 2004 Olympic bronze medalist and Michigan native plans to give Detroit residents a reason to celebrate following a difficult few years in the area which has been hard hit by the economic recession..
“It’s an honor to be able to bring an event this big to Michigan and to have the chance to fight so close to my hometown of Flint,” Dirrell said. “I plan to make the most of it and put on a show for the fans that come out to Joe Louis Arena.”
Dirrell has fought once in the state of Michigan as a professional, winning a third round TKO over Cullen Rogers in Flint in his 10th fight. Yet the March 27th bout will mark Dirrell’s first professional fight in Detroit, a city that boasts a tremendous boxing heritage, going back to the days of Thomas Hearns and the legendary Kronk Gym.
The fight with Abraham was originally scheduled to take place on March 6, but a back injury Dirrell sustained in training camp forced a three-week postponement to March 27. Dirrell has recommenced his training camp with his team in Las Vegas, and plans to take the ring at 100% when he faces Abraham at Joe Louis Arena
The 26-year-old is looking to bounce back from a controversial split decision loss to Froch in his hometown in the tournament opener, and believes the sting of that disputed defeat will fuel him his bout with Abraham. “The decision obviously still bothers me, but I plan to use that to push me in my next fight,” Dirrell said. “I have moved on, and the world will see that when I step into the ring in Detroit.”
Abraham enjoyed a different experience in his tournament opener with Jermain Taylor, winning a devastating final round knockout. Abraham currently leads the tournament standings with three points, but Dirrell plans to tighten the race with a victory over Abraham in front of his hometown faithful.
Tickets for the Andre Dirrell – Arthur Abraham fight are affordably priced, starting at only $25 and will go on sale on March 6 . The event, which will showcase several Detroit-area fighters, including Ronald Hearns, son of the legendary Thomas Hearns, will begin at 7:30 p.m., at Joe Louis Arena, with the main event scheduled to take place at approximately 10:30 p.m.
To catch all of the behind-the-scenes action of the Andre Dirrell – Arthur Abraham fight, watch the fourth episode of Fight Camp 360, at http://sports.sho.com/browse/video-portal.html?id=68949079001.