By Scott Gilfoid: Once beaten Andre Dirrel (18-1, 13 KO’s)l is currently rehabilitating his injured back that he hurt while training recently for his March 27th Super Six bout against unbeaten Arthur Abraham (31-0, 25 KO’s). In an interview at East Side Boxing’s On the Ropes show, the talented Dirrell had this to say: “I don’t believe he [Carl Froch] is going to beat [Mikkel] Kessler. He [Froch] has a better chance against [Arthur] Abraham if you ask me, but I don’t think he’s [Froch] going to beat Kessler. He’s [Kessler] a great boxer. I think Kessler is the better man.”

I have to agree with Mr. Dirrell. I think Kessler is going to badly outclass Froch in this one. Froch, with his ramrod straight European style of fighting, is going to have a lot of troubles against Kessler, and I see Froch losing every round of the fight. If Froch had more hand speed, better defense and more tactical skills, I think Froch would still lose. But in this case, I think Kessler is literally going to wipe the deck with Froch on April 24th.

Dirrell, talking about his back injury, says “I sustained a back injury while sparring. I didn’t want to risk the fight [Abraham bout]. That’s why I postponed. I want to show the world what I can do. I’m in shape, working hard. Hopefully, it [the Abraham-Dirrell bout] will be on the 27th. I am hoping that will be the case. I know for certain this fight will go on.”

Speaking about Froch, Dirrell says “Froch doesn’t bother me. The decision still bothers me a little, because I’ll have that loss on my record. Most people feel I won the fight and I do as well. I’m moving forward now.” I totally agree with you, Mr. Dirrell. I think you won’t eight of twelve rounds, with one round even. The fight took place in Froch’s home city of Nottingham.

As for what Dirrell could have done differently in the Froch fight, he says this: “I could have thrown more punches on the inside. I was making sure he [Froch] wouldn’t throw punches on the inside. That was the major mistake I made in that fight.”

Dirrell talks about the Super Six bout coming up between Andre Ward vs. Allan Green, saying “Allan Green has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I believe Ward will come out with the victory. I do see Ward winning by a slight victory.” I think Ward is probably going to win easily. Green has many of the same skills that Dirrell has, but hasn’t proven it as of yet by beating a quality opponent. Green could surprise some people and pull off an upset in this fight, but he’s going to have to be more aggressive than he’s looked in the past if he’s going to make that happen.”

Dirrell says this about Abraham: “He’s an [Abraham] explosive fighter; quick with the hooks when he comes out of his shell…He’s a careful puncher, great defense. He’s easily beatable if I use the ring.”

Speaking about why Jermain Taylor lost to Abraham by a 12th round knockout in October, Dirrell says “He [Taylor] stood right in front of Abraham. He [Taylor] wasn’t supposed to give him the opportunity.”