Bute vs. one of the Dirrell brothers a possibility

By Boxing News - 08/09/2011 - Comments

Image: Bute vs. one of the Dirrell brothers a possibilityBy Scott Gilfoid: IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (29-0, 24 KO’s) is considering a fight against one of the Dirrell brothers – either Andre or Anthony Dirrell, according to Ringtv. It’s still in the discussions stage and it’s unclear if Bute will face only one or both of the brothers.

However, he can’t go wrong with either, as they’re both incredibly talented and the future of the super middleweight division along with Andre Ward and James DeGale. The plan is if the younger 26-year-old Anthony Dirrell (23-0, 20 KO’s) gets selected, he would be facing Bute in the fall. If Andre Dirrell is chosen, he would be fighting Bute in early 2012.

Andre would first need a tune-up before fighting Bute, because he hasn’t fought since last year when he was injured when he fouled by Arthur Abraham in March 2010 in the Super Six tournament. A fight against Bute fits with one of the goals for Andre, as he’s spoken often about wanting to fight Bute in the past. This no doubt would be a dream come true for him.

Right now, Anthony is the one that’s ready to take the fight because he’s already fought three times in 2011, wiping out Alberto Mercedes, Dante Craig and Kevin Engel. Anthony Dirrell has all the same skills that Brother Andre possesses – blinding hand speed, huge power, fast foot work and extraordinary defensive ability. He’s got cat-like reflexes which enable him to get out of the way of shots. He’s more of brutal puncher compared to Andre and is pure slugger.

I’d pick both Dirrell brothers to beat Bute and make him look bad. Bute will have huge problems with the power of Anthony, and he won’t be able to lay gloves on Andre. My guess is Anthony will get the pick because he’s been the busier fighter compared to Andre. Either way, Bute is in deep, deep trouble against them. I’m hoping he fights both Dirrell brothers, but then again there won’t be any need for the second brother to fight Bute once the first one beats him. The only worry I have is the judging for the fight. The Dirrell-Bute fight will obviously be taking place in Canada where it might require a knockout for Dirrell to win. That’s why I think Anthony should be the one to fight Bute, because he’ll come in looking to take his head off.

Frankly, I would be shocked if Bute faced either of the Dirrell brothers. Facing really good fighters isn’t Bute’s custom and I can’t see him breaking out of his pattern of facing over-matched guys with next to no chance. Would Bute really want to fight one of the talented Dirrell brothers and basically be throwing his International Boxing Federation belt to one of these hungry lions? I doubt it. I see him taking the easy path and digging up some obscure super middleweight that no one has ever heard of and fighting that person.



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