Erik Schaffer – Tonight Arthur Abraham takes on Andre Dirrell at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan to begin the second round of the Super Six Middleweight Tournament. The unbeaten Abraham will step into the ring as a 2-1 favorite with his record standing at 31-0 , 25 ko’s. The home dog Andre Dirrell brings a record of 18-1 , 13 ko’s into this contest. The total is 11.5 -165 to go over.
Let’s first talk about the line and the public perception of these two fighters: I have been watching this line since it opened with Abraham only a -165 favorite to beat Andre Dirrell, who has become a fighter nobody seems to like these days.. It seems nobody wants to talk about the talent that Dirrell brings to the ring as they only want to talk about his lack of not mixing it up with his opponents. On the other hand we have Abraham, who everybody is in bed with these days. In bed happens to be a mob term for those who don’t know. I knew this line could only go one way from -165 and that way was up.
And why not? Abraham has KO wins against Miranda and Taylor. Abraham is also unbeaten, more popular, and has a better resume then Dirrell. Seems like the fight players couldn’t wait to get their money in on Abraham. After knowing all those things and seeing a line at only -165 something tells me that Vegas thinks the love affair between the boxing world and Abraham is coming to an end.
So let’s now go into an analysis of these two fighters. Arthur Abraham always brings a great defense into the ring. It’s very tough to solve that guard of his. He also has a great chin and has never been down in 31 fights. His offense is also very good. But is it great? And will it be great against a fighter who moves around the ring like Dirrell? This might be the first time Abraham will have a moving target in the ring with him. And I do mean moving. Not only does Dirrell like to move, but I saw the close up of his face when he was watching the tape of the Taylor KO. He had a look like he wanted no part of that. Yes a look of fear. But I expect that fear to help Andre in this fight. He knows not to stand if front of Abraham come Saturday night. Why would he do that when it`s never worked for anyone else? I know Dirrell sometimes moves around a little too much, but it can’t be denied that when he throws it’s a thing of beauty. And punches are coming from all angles.
I thought his game plan for the Froch fight was perfect. Stick and move. Keep the fight close and win the last two rounds big. I thought he did just that and should of won by decision. You just can’t tell me Froch was winning 7-4 after 11 rounds in that fight. But that is history. I expect Dirrell to execute that same game plan on Saturday night. I expect his speed to be a major factor in this fight. I know Abraham will be blocking most of the shots, but he can’t block them all. I think the punching speed, angles and movement of Dirrell will be enough to offset the great defense of Abraham. Since when has Abraham cut off a ring? Since when has he really had to chase a fighter and leave his shell? I think Dirrell will make him leave that shell and that will be the downfall of Abraham in a semi close fight that should go the distance. Yes, I can take the over 11.5 -165. Yes, I can take Dirrell by decision and get some real nice plus money but I will take Dirrell and the plus money they offer us to just win anyway he can. I see no problem taking a live home dog coming off a phantom loss, which puts the line in our favor.
Prediction : Andre Dirrell to win against Arthur Abraham