Will Dirrell's grabbing technique work against Abraham?

Coming in and hugging Abraham like that is a recipe for getting your face punched into the cheap seats. Or broken ribs, more likely.

 

Complete different scenario.

AA fights well at range. Holding will only work if he BEATS AA to the punch AND AA doesn't fire back. I doubt that he can keep that up for the whole 12 rounds. Then he has to close that distance without AA lighting him up. Tough.

So the difference here is the game changing power of AA. Dirrell can win the whole fight. It won't be decided until the 12th round. AA can ALWAYS end the fight.

I hope "The Matrix" can do it to bring some shine back to the US, but man he has a hell of a fight ahead of him.