Comments Thread For: Classy Dirrell Reflects on DeGale Bout, Seeks Rematch

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Thomas Gerbasi - For the first five minutes of his May 23 bout with James DeGale at Boston’s Agganis Arena, Andre Dirrell thought picking up the vacant IBF super middleweight title was going to be a mere formality.

“First round, he came out and threw that looping left hand a few times and I kinda rolled and I’m just like ‘this is gonna be an easy night,’” Dirrell chuckled. “Second round, my confidence was up another level, and somewhere in that mix I let my guard down, and the next thing you know, I’m getting off the mat.?br />
His first reaction?

“Oh my goodness.?br />
The next was to get up, and almost as soon as DeGale’s thudding left cross crashed into his chin, the 2004 U.S. Olympian was back on his feet. A second, more questionable, knockdown followed, and just like that, Dirrell went from leading the dance to being on the wrong end of a 10-7 round. As he went back to his corner, his mind was clear.

“It’s time to fight,?he recalled when asked his thoughts after suffering two knockdowns against the Brit. “It was difficult to take because I felt like I was gonna breeze through that fight after the first round, I really did. He (DeGale) brought a whole different Andre Dirrell out once that happened.?[Click Here To Read More]

[SlySlickSmooth]

I'd watch a rematch, it would probably be more exciting as both guys would look to be dominant in a rematch.

Dirrell needs to work his way back up. I'm hoping Gilberto Ramriez starts to get in the mix soon.

[Dirk Diggler UK]

Some kind words from Dirrell. I wouldn't mind a rematch somewhere down the line but he needs to get back on track with a good win.

He has no case for winning the fight like he did against Froch. He lost close but clear.

[Rip Chudd]

I'd love to see a rematch, not right away though. Let Degale face a Hopkins or someone else and let Dirrell put together an impressive win or two against good opposition to earn another title shot. I like his attitude following this loss, good to see he is open to having a rematch in the UK as well.

[St. Johns Gent]

Dirrell got careless against DeGale in the beginning of the fight, he finished the fight strong and with good defense and he needs to fight the way he did during the middle rounds against DeGale, DeGale is one hell of a fighter, both guys are and i agree with everyone here, down the line it would be a hell of a rematch especially if both come into a rematch with a streak of good wins

[Greed.]

I'd like to see a rematch. They were evenly matched, only the KD separated them

[SteveM]

When you go into enemy territory and get a tough win when many doubted you could get it then you don't offer a rematch unless there is a lot of money involved. Put simply, De Gale has more lucrative options. Abraham and Steiglitz keep fighting not because they love to get it on but because there is so much money in Germany, more money and less risk. Dirrell needs to realise he is high risk low reward and negotiate accordingly, or do a GGG and start fighting 4 times a year until he can't be ignored. If they both keep winning I can see a fight in 2018.

[bojangles1987]

I'd love to see a rematch. It was a good fight and it was close.

[Tom Cruise]

I'd have no problem with a rematch. Highly doubt it happens within the next few fights for Degale though. Hearn needs to work on building his name back up over here. That means name opponents, knock outs or hopefully big fights with Groves/Froch

[removed]

I'm starting to warm to Dirrell, i think he's a decent guy. His brother on the other hand, is an absolute c***