Carl "the Cobra" Froch (25-0, 20 KOs) vs Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13 KOs) is the proverbial toss-up fight. It’s also the classic boxer (Dirrell) 
versus puncher (Froch) confrontation. I’ve said it many times before and I will say it again. I’d rather have speed than power. Dirrell, like Froch’s latest victim Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor, has the speed advantage in this fight.
You’re probably asking, "If speed didn’t carry Taylor to victory, why will it be the difference for Dirrell when he squares off with Froch?"
The Difference Between Jermain Taylor & Andre Dirrell
As a matter of fact, speed was carrying Taylor to victory back in April of this year. If he had simply stayed on his feet for 14 more seconds, he would have won the fight (he led on two of the three scorecards entering the final round). Dirrell has speed and likely more staying power (i.e. fresher, younger legs) than ‘Bad Intentions.’
Unlike Taylor, who was moving up to 168 pounds when he faced Froch, Dirrell is a natural super middleweight who actually made his pro debut at 177 pounds. Froch will be stronger than Dirrell but not that much stronger.
Taylor is right-handed. Dirrell is a lefty. Dirrell’s southpaw stance will likely baffle the plodding Froch for long periods of the fight. We’ll find out how well Froch’s trainer has prepared him for an unusually tall (6’2") and left-handed counter-puncher.
Why This Fight Will Be Close
In a fight that is likely to be fought at a fast pace and has a decent chance of going to the scorecards, the fight locale could be a huge advantage for Froch. In "hard-to-score" rounds, it’s safe to assume that Froch will get his unfair share of them. Froch’s assault starts in round one and is built to last for twelve. Just ask Jermain Taylor. This relentless aggression not only wears out an opponent, it can move the crowd and sway the judges.
However, when the smoke clears in Nottingham, United Kingdom on October 17, I expect Andre Dirrell to walk away with a career-defining, decision victory over Carl Froch.
Interesting take on this fight almost exactly as I see it however being in England I see Froch winning a hotly disputed Majority or split decision.
Good Prediction. Froch does have the experience advantage on his side, do you think that might be a major factor? Anyways, I was not impressed by Froch when he fought Taylor. Taylor was whooping his tail until he faded badly. Anyways, can’t wait for the tournament to begin! By the way, check this website out
http://www.fightfan.yolasite.com/
@darren…you are probably right (we’ll see though).
@Lucio Nunez….I agree on all fronts…who’s site is this?
I see that it’s your site. 🙂 I’ll check it out, and will try to provide you with feedback as well. Thanks for sharing.
Don’t see it like this at all…
Froch struggled against Taylor, but it was a step up for him, a step Dirrell has come no where near taking… there is no one on Dirrell’s record to compare with Dirrell or Pascal. If Froch and Taylor were to meet again (maybe they will in the 6, but it ain’t likely) I suspect it’d be the same result in fewer rounds.
A lot of US commentators seem to be judging Froch on this one fight alone… yet refuse to take into account the significance of the fight for Froch. Making his first defence, against his first universally acclaimed top-tier opponent, fighting outside the UK for the first time… surely it’s no surprise he was less than 100%?
Dirrell’s hand speed and stance will make him awkward, but he hangs his chin out and gets caught, and he’s not fought anyone near as good as Froch… he’s getting knocked out on Saturday night.
M Michaels,
Well-put and hard to argue, but I am going to nonetheless.
You make VERY good points, but I think Froch has not really fought as many good fighters either (sans Taylor, who I feel is now on the wrong side of his peak). I think Dirrell’s natural size, reach and speed will be difficult for anyone to deal with in this weight range.
The Ex-Factor is his chin…and I am sure Froch will test it. But I doubt he’ll touch it as much as you’d think. Froch isn’t exactly the fastest guy in the world and has typically touched up mediocre defensive fighters (at best) in his two biggest fights.
We shall see…
@darren: i could sooo see that happening.
England is the new Germany in terms of fairness and equality with officiating and judging..That was shocker! Froch won’t win this tournament..What a fraud
@ darren, interesting though, many respected scribes, including espn’s dan rafael, had froch winning by a single pt. it was a close, dirty fight that dirrell probably deserved to win, but i could see how he got “robbed.” and yes, froch has been VERY fortunate in both of his fights against taylor and now dirrell…we’ll see how fraudalent or good he is by the end of the tourney. i’m with you, i’m leaning towards him losing his next two, i.e. if the fights are in the u.s.