I only ask cos I saw Haye had sent a twitter message to Dirrell about him having a super-middleweight to spar with him (who I'm guessing is Groves). Would, stylistically, this be good for Groves?
If Dr Shaw Hi gives him the all clear that would be fantastic preparation. Dirrell can fight both orthodox and southpaw.
yes and no. Dirrell has some simmilarities to Degale, but overall they really are quite different, Dirrell is an athletic, ambush fighter where as Degale is a more relaxed boxer who deconstructs you at close range. add to the fact that Dirrell might just toy with him, crushing groves confidence there are many possibilities.
It'll be good for him in that Dirrell is a top ten SMW - sparring with that quality can only be good. Throw in the mix that he is around the same height as Degale and not a million miles away in style (although by no means identical) then its not a bad shout. What is most important though is that he is mostly sparring southpaws
He has sparred with Froch and did alright (despite taking a knee if I remember correctly) - admittedly different fighters stylistically but close in terms of class
Their defences are too different imo. DeGale uses little movements to slip shots while Dirrell throws himself to the floor like an exasperated housewife so I'm not sure what good it would do Groves.
I don't think they are that similar really, first off I think Dirrell gets far to much grief on these boards. Dirrell is a mover, hit and run if you will. DeGale, as someone said earlier likes to slip and prefers to stand at mid range and use his reflexes to make you miss. I suppose they just want a top notch Super middle southpaw really. It sought of reminds me of International Football teams preparing for the World Cup arranging friendlies with teams from the same region as those in their group, ignoring the huge differences.
Dirrells style would be god awful for Groves I would think, someone like Kessler or Froch i could see groves holding his own against, But if Dirrell wanted to he could make things incredibly one sided imo.
It's generally not a good idea to spar a fighter who's a level or two above you, in preparation for a fight.
Can only be a good thing for him sparring a World class SMW, It's not like Dirrell will be his primary sparring partner right?
Dirrell and DeGale are not the same... but Dirrell has world class skills and is a slick southpaw like James. If Groves can handle Dirrell's speed he'll be able to handle DeGale's for sure. I'd say it's a very good idea.
As long as it is not his main sparring I think it will be good for him and will hopefully teach him to wait for openings rather than force them. Dirrell is a real tricky customer and how Groves deals with him as a relatively inexperienced fighter will show what level he can get to and identify flaws that he needs to address. Groves has the desire to get better from this, I think it will only make him try to improve as a fighter! Not the best sparring in preparation for Degale but I don't think it will be detrimental in his long-term development.
