That fight was never even close, sadly. I remember the day it was cancelled, literally hours before, I made a thread asking why no date had been announced, no venue and neither fighter was in camp, despite Abraham and Froch already being in training. Froch/Johnson doesn't have a date yet but both are training. Just disgraceful.
From Ward's Twitter account: @andreward @andredirrell I'm at yall nexts fight keep me posted @hammerinhank30 May 14th. Carson, Ca. Home Depot Center. From the Scene: "There are some major sticking points involved. The California State Athletic Commission is not too friendly with the use of neutral officials. When Sauerland fighter Mikkel Kessler fought Andre Ward in the first stage of the Super Six in Oakland, the controversy over the officials nearly caused the fight to get cancelled. Both sides reached a deal on the eve of the fight. In the aftermath of Ward-Kessler, Sauerland and Team Kessler were very upset with performance of California referee Jack Reiss. They believe the ref allowed Ward to get away with multiple fouls, including several headbutts. It's almost a lock that Sauerland is going to request a neutral referee and neutral judges." Sauerland ain't going to Cali without knowing everyone involved in reffing/scoring is neutral. Anyone knows WHY (!!!!) there's a problem with neutral officials in California?!???!?
Dirrell vs Kessler is the most likely though I doubt it happens, but Bute wont fight anyone who's someone so any fight involving him with a big name is not happening.
Dirrell vs Kessler, let's get it poppin. Dirrell would whoop either one of those guys but Bute probably don't want it, like someone else said he's just waiting on the super 6 winner to milk a big payday, he doesn't wanna risk taking a L.
Ignore the facts boys, ignore them. Looks good on ya. Bute, Larouche and Bédard all said Bute will be fighting the best in 2011-12. Bute calling out Kessler, with Showtime bringing the fight up themselves, does nothing for you?! ****.
saying you'll fight the best while the most meaningful tournament in the division is happening around you is a different thing. people always defend lower profile fighters who 'call out' fighters who are taking more chances in their career - it's always the way and it always will be
Some people dont want to acknowledge the fact that Andre dirrell is one of the best supermiddleweights in the world and is a threat to any fighter at 168
I agree but i cant wait til he proves it. another young guy with ALOT of potential. going to be interesting
yes dirrell is a reel threat to any supermiddle weight. but hes always complaining actin like the ring is full of banana peels . if he fights ne one he should fight kessler since he was in the supersix as well. no way kessler and dirrell can ho
I think you're wrong. Bute is calling people that are now available: Kessler and Dirrell, Johnson or Froch in a couple of months. Anyway, Bute is not a lower profile fighter. If he was, Showtime wouldn't have signed him, especially when their tournament is going on. In fact, the tournament was beginning to look ridiculous and signing Bute gave it some credibility back: at the end, we'll know who is the best SMW.
I voted for Dirrell-Bute because all Kessler talked about is a fight against the super 6 winner. He then sent a contract to Stieglitz while Bute is available and willing ro fight him. We can understand that he may want at least one tune up fight. If Bute is too strong for a come back fight, it's the same thing for Dirrell. When Dirrell talked (very shortly) about his future, he didn't mention a tune up fight and seems to be very confident. If Dirrell wants the fight, it's on. The winner then takes Kessler, and everything is set up for a super fight for the SMW crown.