Kessler is more than just slightly older or passed it he's been riddled with injuries including serious eye injuries, his timing, accuracy and judgement of range has been dreadful his last few outings compared to his prime, Kessler should retire, he's better than becoming a stepping stone
The Andre Dirrell that fought Carl Froch would have beaten Degale but Dirrell's never been the same since he was knocked out by Abrahams (illegal KO or not). Gale would beat him now, possibly even by a late stoppage.
The amount of times i have seen the sloppy DeGale backed up on the ropes and looking troubled by complete nobodies and suddenly he beats Froch??!! Lol the fight is probably the best option now but you cant blame Froch if he don't want another domestic fight against someone who has not really earnt it!!
Won a final eliminator and hasn't had a long lay off. Both of these are complete opposites for Dirrell he hasn't won any kind of eliminator and had a seriously long time out.
I see what your saying, but the fact he's got himself into the number 1 mandatory spot shows that he has earned his shot.
According to who? Most people would pick Froch, Carl would be the favourite but yes DeGale has a decent chance of beating Froch. Froch is a very good boxer but he's not some unbeatable monster and DeGale seems to be improving, coming into his prime and realising his potential a bit. He might be getting under rated similar to how Froch used to get under rated (sloppy is a word I've heard used to describe Froch too). Froch vs DeGale should happen, it would be a pretty big fight in the UK and for some reason I now get the feeling it would be an entertaining bout (which I didn't used to think)
Stop, neither deserve a title shot but that's not how it works in boxing. It is all about politics so both Groves and Dirrell will get a title shot. What makes people think Dirrell isn't the same guy that fought Froch? There is nothing he's shown that he isn't the same guy.
I'm good with both getting a title shot but don't say Groves deserves one while Dirrell doesn't. A guy like DeGale certainly deserves one as he beat two solid opponents. I wonder who Dirrell faces for the title once Eddie makes Groves vs DeGale.
I've always said Rocky Fielding is very underestimated on these boards and I could see him giving James a right good fight