DeGale , How good is he ?

Ok fine I'll give you Dirrell isn't a bum, but on the other hand DeGale was sold to us as an elite fighter. It was expected he'd blow away Dirrell coming off a multi-year layoff and mental problems. But what we saw was a Degale who struggled mightily and basically got a lucky win vs a guy he should have dominated.

What does that tell us? Degale isn't elite material himself. Not a bum. An OK belt holder for a while, but not a great fighter like he thinks he is.

 

Those names you are mentioning are from very long ago. Bute and Dirrell were riddled with inactivity. People don't use Ward's win against Froch currently, which is why most don't think Ward should be considered P4P #2. There is a limit to how long ago wins count.

As I said, the most recent win on either's comeback is Derek Edwards between the two. Rather shameful for a division in all seriousness.

 

Degale vs Ward would have been good. He's got an awkward style, not quite as slick as Dirrell, but he's balsy. Difficult to outbox, but he's been roughed up on the inside. Late round stamina is questionable to me. Good, solid champ.

 

Well you didn't specify they had to be recent wins.

 

You are right. Everyone should still remember that when Dirrell fought Froch and Abraham, he was considered a bit green still. After Abraham he took some time off. Current version of Dirrell is different fighter nowdays but people saying he is somehow past his prime is just stupid. Degale deserves credit for beating Dirrell.

 

Degale is probably #1 SMW, but he isn´t dominant like Ward was. In other words, he is beatable especially against preasure fighters. Smith will have a good chance in one or two years time. IMO Badou is the one who will loose sooner or later - Groves should have beaten him.

 

Good enough to travel to America to beat Dirrell
good enough that Ward wasnt interested
good enough to travel to Canada to beat Bute
good enough that Froch didnt face him

IMO the best SMW at this time, but he does have a tendancy to switch off a bit during his match ups

 

The Jack fight looks fairly tacked on for the summer, so that will tell a lot

 

He's better pound for pound than any American in the sport. :good

 

I hope they can make that fight. Depending on the odds I may place a bet on Degale by decision.

 

Degale? A nose ahead of the pack in a very mediocre division. Credit to him he's shown a willingness to travel and take on the best available at SMW. Needs to up his activity level a bit and stop taking stretches of the fight off, but possesses some really decent skills.

B+

 

Hes very good!!! IMO the best active fighter from the UK.