The point is that he would have kept the date with Bute and I just don't think with his inactivity he would have been ready in time. He's been out too long and needs to prove he can put in some quality rounds before he goes fighting guys like Bute. Abraham would be a decent tune up though.
AA is NO TUNE UP. It would be a Brawl at this point in Kellys career! It would be SOLID rounds for both fighters!
Dirrell's chin > Ward's chin? :blood Based on what? Is this still the myth of Ward being fragile dating back to when he was a single-digit prospect? Power/speed/athleticism to Dirrell, no question. But so what? Ward has the bigger heart and the muuuuuuuuuuuuuch better boxing mind, which counts for a lot more.
Kelly has too much reach and solid power. AA's biggest weakness. This was always an easy fight for Kelly if he shows up in shape. Kelly also has much better boxing skills than AA.
Did prime Jermain Taylor box Pavlik's ear off? :? Is Dirrell's style similar to either Hopkins' or Maravilla's? I don't get where there's precedent for Dirrell's brand of slickness being the bane of Pavlik's existence. If anything, I'd say Taylor's style is closer to Dirrell's than are Hopkins' or Martinez's. (despite Martinez and Dirrell both being "slick southpaws")
Prime Taylor did not box Kellys ears off. He caught Kelly with a Stunning shot! The rest of the fight Kelly took over until KO. 2nd Fight Kelly Outboxed Taylor Obviously. Dirrell's Style could be compared to Taylor. He is nothing like Martinez or B-Hop. No to make excuses because Kelly Clearly Lost both fights, and were to a Future HOF fighter and a top 5 p4p Fighter.. Kelly was NOT gonna beat B-Hop regardless, BUT He did have the flu, and moved up 10 lbs. Kelly Was in Rehab 2 weeks out of the 8 week Training camp and had to drop 20 lbs week of fight. If Kelly had a FULL training camp, and did not have to drop 20lbs week of fight, he would have Stopped Sergio around the 9th! BUT!!! a Beyond Prime Taylor Boxed Froch's Ears off!