Dirrell-Ward would've been a lot worse than Bradley-Alexander

Let's face it: whenever a skilled 'negative' inside fighter faces a distance boxer the result is ugly as the negative inside fighter will (try to) cut down the ring, take away both the time and the space for the opponent to plant his feet & put snap behind punches, then use his not so crowd pleasing inside moves with every part of his body. Bradley and Ward can very effectively get inside of opponents punching range, neutralize their speed, footwork, angles, jab and combinations off the jab plus position their hands, head and shoulders for inside moves with success. Ward brought the fight to a distance Kessler was totally green at, and Timbo showed how predictable and distance-dependant Alexander is no matter of handspeed and athleticism.

At least Devon never stopped with his aggression (in the end he did), Dirrell on the other hand is a negítive outside fighter who - unless you have an easy style (Abraham, Oganov) - often gets out of danger zone to operate with single counter shots on the move/run. That's not Pacquiaoesque aggressiveness, but Rigondeauxesque negative boxing.

Now can you imagine what kind of ugly, foul-filled and downright unbearable 'fight' Ward vs. Dirrell would've been? These American fighters just don't match up very well given their styles (not skills which is very good) and two negatives definitely don't make a positive.

 

It would have been a bore-fest to the casual viewer. But as a boxing fan, I'll be very interested in seeing it take place. I may be in the minority, but I’d also like to see Bradley and Alexander fight again, and see how Alexander fairs without being plagued by nasty cuts and head-butts.

 

god it would have been horrible, dirrell would have found a way to worm out again

 

Agreed

 

Dirrell is kind of one-dimensional.

 

I would've enjoyed it, could have actually been a solid chess match, would have seen some good out and infighting, and a lot of speed on the table. I think it woulda depended on dirrell; if he got on his bike like against froch it would have been terrible(although it would have been interesting to see if ward could catch him), if he exchanged like with abraham it would have been pretty good i think. Dirrell's actually not so bad up close; he has good combination work.

Disagree.

 

I wanted to see Ward-Dirrell. I'm one of the few who think this but I actually think Dirrell's speed and athleticism would have given Ward fits. I also agree with the thread starter that the match up is similar and addressed that in my pre fight analysis of the Alexander-Bradley fight. With that said I feel the Ward-Dirrell fight would be better.

 

As a boxing fan I realized about a minute in - or 6 months before - that Bradley-Alexander was over, Devon was figured out. Look at the motions once Alexander realizes how easily Timbo got in there. The judges could only delay the L back in the Kotelnik fight, the rematch is completely pointless. There's a difference in class Alexander will just never overcome.

 

You're not alone actually, I've always thought that the key to beating Ward might be to really outspeed him and force him to get on his toes... He can neutralize the guys who come forward at them by clinching and mauling... I'm not as sold on his skill as a guy who boxes off the back foot. I agree that it would be better. Dirrell despite his faults probably brings more to the table than Alexander. Better combination puncher, more athletic, harder hitter, and smarter. But then again Ward is a lot better than Bradley will ever be.

 

I think it's a great match up as well.. I don't see Dirrell getting on his bike vs Ward much if at all. I feel Dirrell's combination of length and quick good punches (sometimes in bunches) may pose to be Ward's toughest test. However, I've followed Ward since his amateur days and some of you guys on here are seriously underestimating his ability

 

First of all. Dirrell is NOT one-dimensional. The guy got great offense as well as defense. fans tend to pass judgement on fighters of their last few fights. Dirrell had the right game plan against froch and AA who were both aggressive big punchers. Neither ward or dirrell is one-dimensional. That is noob talk.

 

Timbo was bullying him a little too easily, yes. But again, a lot of this was down to his reckless nature and head. I guess that’s not going to change, and unless Alexander learns to better deal with it, it’ll be the same result again. It’s just that with the fight being the anti-climax it was - as in it didn’t bring out anything good in either guy, I’d like to see them have another go at it.

 

I just spoke to Dr. ShawHigh, he says there's no chance of the fight happening for a while.

 

I agree with your post. Damn shame Ward and Dirrell are boys and didn't really want to fight each other. ****ing ridiculous really, horrible for the sport.:-(

 

oh i'd pay just to see dirrell get headbutted, elbowed and bullied by Ward.

Alexander, nahhh. don't wanna see him again