1. No Reid has faced better fighters than AA in Ottke and Calzaghe, but if you mean beaten then no. But lets remember AA was a MW and not a big one at that so who knows how good someone will be when they first move up in weight? Take someone like Hatton for example who was a strong LWW but not as effective in the weight above. At MW AA has a win over Eastman who was past his best and Miranda who seems to lose the big fights, but at SMW the only name on his record is J Taylor who at SMW was outpointed by Pavlik and KOd by Froch so not the best name in the division, and you never know how the fight with Dirrell would have ended, Dirrell had been knocked down (not scored) in the round before AAs fight ending punch. It takes the shine off a win to win when out cold. 2. In honesty, the bit about the ringside journalists is something ive read on here so it could be wrong, but The Ring and Boxing News did score for Froch, that I read in both magazines. Peoples comments on ESB could be biased. But not likelt that Boxing News and The Ring are though. 3. I still think KO, I just said win in conversation, but still stand by KO win, I didnt say UD. You did. Calzaghe wouldnt just follow with his hands up like AA, Calzaghe would throw alot of punches and as we know Dirrell closes up alot when hes being hit. 4. I dont think when AA fought Taylor it was as credible a win as when Pavlik beat him or Froch even for that matter and although Miranda has KO power he hasnt got a name like G Johnson on his record like Sheika does. 5. I havent said prime Calzaghe hits harder than AA, and I havent said Dirrell is better or worse than Reid, just Reid has achieved more so far. No Id say at SMW AA hits a bit harder than a prime Calzaghe but there is a big difference in their fighting styles and Calzaghe would do alot more against Dirrell than AA did, you must be able to tell the difference in their styles. So yes I think a prime Calzaghe stops Dirrell, hits harder than Dirrell, has faster hands, though not quite as mobile, but mobile enough to catch Dirrell especially seeing as the much slower Froch was able to. I think Reid has accomplished more than Dirrell has so far and who knows if Dirrell is better or worse than Reid, we saw Dirrell lose to Froch (however you score it) and get KOd by a punch when although not braced didnt look the biggest of shots, and there are many who felt a past prime Reid was unlucky against Ottke who is a much better fighter than AA
Robin Reid was a better fighter than Dirrell currently is, that's for sure. He may not have the best resume, but he was very unlucky in his career. You can't really argue otherwise if you've seen both guys fight.
Prime for prime.. Interesting question, for me Andre is still learning (as long as the Abraham blow didn't knock the fight out of him) and a work in progress. Anyway Joe in his prime would struggle with the current Andre, for at least a couple of rounds, and I wouldn't rule out an off-balance/flash knock down or two for Joe. However Joe would be willing to take a couple to give his (in his prime before Lacy) harder aqnd more volume shots. I see Andre suffering a knock down or two after round 4 (not unusual for him at least from his last couple of fights) and getting on his bike in to over drive. Joe looking very sloppy but every so often cornering Andre who approaches vintage Ruiz impression (not the Ruiz from the Haye fight where his clutches were "gone"). Joe's fitness, volume and "prime" power would get him a KO/TKO in the later rounds as he would wear Andre down. I agree with some previous posters that mention that Andre is still a work in progress. He could still develop in to a harder punching version of BHop. Which in his prime would be a tougher test for Joe. Even 50/50. In conclusion there is little doubt in my mind that Joe will alway win 9 out of 10 against Andre, the 10% is only precautionary in that Joe could (if he ventured out of his homeland) get frustrated and disqualified for rabit punches or break a hand, where due to Andre's speed, size and talent Joe might loose a narrow decision. Actually I think that Andre iD. s a worse matchup than Andre Ward for Joe. Whereas I lean towards Ward clearly outboxing Dirrel. Just my opinion. And of course this noob will now stfu. Cheers. Duncanne.