Andre Dirrell: "I know I’m faster, smarter and a better boxer."

Much of the coverage in the build up to Andre Dirrell's bout against James DeGale for the vacant IBF World Super-Middleweight Title has been focusing on DeGale making British boxing history by being the first Olympic Gold medalist to then go on to win a professional world title. But, not much has been made about a man who is 24-1, having only lost in a slightly controversial split decision, against Carl Froch, in Nottingham.  

It's quite fitting that both Dirrell and DeGale have been equally as vocal as one another in wanting to fight Froch; yet, it is the two men who will face each other for the very title they would have won if they had fought Froch. 

One thing which could play a part in a possible DeGale defeat would be the lack of calibre in the fighters he has fought in his last ten bouts. Having fought four fighters of whom have lost at least five times, isn't exactly awe inspiring form coming into a World Title fight, is it? On the other hand Dirrell has fought two undefeated fighters and beat both of them in the man-mountain that is, Arthur Abraham and, Mike Paschall. But, for both men going into the ring, it will be the biggest test for both of them in some time, respectively.  

Although Dirrell has only gone the full-12-rounds twice in his professional boxing career, he is adamant he will win, regardless of how long the fight goes on for. Speaking to SkySports: "If I stop James early, he is lucky. But if it goes 12 rounds that's when he has to pay. I will become the IBF super-middleweight world champion." 

The one clear advantage Dirrell has over DeGale is his hand speed. If he can consistently land flurries of punches whilst not leaving himself exposed to DeGale (who has a better KO %), then he should be able to get a points decision quite easily. With this being DeGale's third fight outside of the UK, he will need to be wary of the old cliché of having to do more than normal to win over the home advantage that Dirrell will hold over the judges.  

Both men are; southpaws, aren't particularly known for their 'big' punching, are Olympic medalists (Dirrell winning Bronze after being stopped by Gennady Golovkin, DeGale winning Gold). With so many similarities between the two men, it will ultimately come down to a battle of game-plans and mentality once they enter the ring.  

Both men have their different agendas with the bout; DeGale to win a World title and make British boxing history, Dirrell to win the title and get back to where he feels he should, and, would have been had he not suffered neurology issues after his fight with Abraham. Talking to RingTV he said of the fight: “I know I’m faster, smarter and a better boxer than he is and it’s just as simple as that. But none of that comes without hard work and I know he’s worked his ass off. I know what kind of guy I’m facing on the 23rd. I just feel like I’ll be the better man that night.”

If you agree with what the American states, it's hard to see past a professional Dirrell performance and win.