Froch can be hit. I think it would be hard for anybody to dispute that. But Froch also has a great chin, and while he sometimes does take more right hands than the average fighter would be able to deal with, he is often in a position to make his opponent pay for his trangressions. Both Taylor and Pascall found that out the hard way as they found out Froch was hittable, but often they had to reach in to hit them, which would expose them long enough to get struck back by the Cobra man Froch. But here's the deal with Dirrell. Dirrell don't fight. He runs. And while he has blazing, even amazing handspeed, he makes a whole lot of amateur mistakes that guy with a bit of skill, and a good chin, like Froch for instance can take advantage of. People talk about Dirrell using angles, and honestly I don't see it. He backs up in straight lines, stands straight up, and looks like a deer in headlights when he gets cornered against the ropes. Again Froch, has average hand speed and athleticism, but he has underrated skill, despite making some mistakes that he could prevent by initially holding his left hand higher, and his experience is what ultimately will pull him through in this fight. In fact, Dirrell's southpaw stance will likely be more of a liability than an asset. He just doesn't have the experience to use anything aside from his athletic ability to deal with a guy like Froch. I say Froch by mid rounds to late KO.
Dirrell does freeze up when pressured, and doesn't employ much head or lateral movement. If Froch comes steaming in in the 1st round as he did against Pascal I see a short, painful night for Dirrell.
People talk about Dirrell havin skill. The guy has handspeed and looks good against slow footed plotters. But he gets by with running, and handspeed. That ain't skill. Look at Ward, another prospect who doesn't seem like he's got the support like Dirrell's got. He's a guy who uses angles, places punches, sets his opponent up, and has SKILL. He doesn't make the mistakes that Dirrell does who just isn't ready for Froch.
I think Ward is the dark horse in this tournament. Still think Kessler is the favourite and that he will meet Abraham in the final.
dirrell can hit too. only thing that froch got dirrell beat is chin. If dirrell doesn't get caught he will be taken to school.
I agree,Ward's skills are a level above Dirrells.Dirrell has the bigger mouth,maybe thats why Ward slipped under the radar.Wards boxing skills and personality are far more classy and polished than Dirrells.:good
Dirrell will only stand and trade if he thinks Froch can't hurt him. He'll maybe try it early on, around the third or fourth when he thinks it's all one way traffic and end up eating something hard and painful.
I think that the fact that he is fighting Froch first is bad news for Dirrell. First, this will be his first title fight and it is in a foreign country against a guy who is one tough mother****er. Then add in the fact that this fight is in a very anticipated tournament. I think the pressure will be too much and will cave eventually. I'm going with Froch by KO.
