By Scott Gilfoid: Now that Andre Dirrell (20-1, 14 KO’s) has passed his first test in making a comeback last night in his outstanding 2nd round TKO win over Darryl Cunningham, Dirrell needs a middle of the road contender before he steps it up a couple of notches to challenge for the world title against one of the champions.
Year: 2011
Cleverly-Bellew rematch possible for 2012
By Scott Gilfoid: According to promoter Frank Warren, a rematch between Nathan Cleverly (23-0, 11 KO’s) and Tony Bellew (16-1, 11 KO’s) is possible for 2012. It won’t be happening in his next fight on February 25th, though. Cleverly will be defending his belt in Wales and it’s not likely he’s going to get much of an opponent, although I don’t understand how he isn’t due to his mandatory defense since his last fight against the #13 ranked Bellew.
Tarver: Dirrell is on the fast track to a world title shot
Photo: Casino/SHOWTIME – By Scott Gilfoid: Andre Dirrell (20-1, 14 KO’s) looked as if he had never been away from boxing tonight in stopping Darryl Cunningham (24-3, 10 KO’s) in the 2nd round and showing power that had SHOWTIME analyst and former world champion Antonio Tarver very impressed.
Dirrell sends a message to Bute, Froch & Kessler by destroying Cunningham
By Scott Gilfoid: Andre Dirrell (20-1, 14 KO’s) sent a strong message to some of the top super middleweights – Lucian Bute, Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler – with his incredible 2nd round TKO win over Darryl Cunningham (24-3, 10 KO’s) on Friday night at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California. Dirrell’s hand speed was simply amazing in taking a very good Cunningham apart. Dirrell made a lot of his detractors angry and sad tonight by taking Cunningham apart in two rounds.
Taylor stops Nicklow; Dirrell destroys Cunningham
By Jim Dower: In a rather listless sloppily fought bout, unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Luis Garcia (12-0, 9 Ko’s) did what he had to do in winning an eight round unanimous decision over Alexander Johnson (12-1, 5 KO’s) on Friday night on the undercard of the Jermain Taylor vs. Jessie Nicklow fight card in Cabazon, California. The final judges’ scores were 80-71, 80-72 an 80-72.
Chavez Jr. will have problems with Rubio’s power
By William Mackay: WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (44-0-1, 31 KO’s) has improved a lot in the past year and isn’t nearly as hittable as he once was. He’s using his jab more and even showing good footwork in some of his fights. However, Chavez Jr. was still getting hit cleanly in his last fight against Peter Manfredo Jr. and won the fight based on his better size and power.
38-year-old Valuev to take a five-year break from boxing
By William Mackay: Former WBA World heavyweight champion Nikolay Valuev (50-2, 34 KO’s) has been elected to Russian parliament for a five year term and Valuev, 38, reportedly won’t be continuing his boxing career until his commitment to Russian politics have completed. By that point, the 7’2” Valuev will be 43-years-old and very likely too old to still compete at the same level he’s become used to in the last six years of his career.
Mayweather completes second part of plea deal
By John F. McKenna (McJack): In an effort to put his legal problems behind him WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KO’s) pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge Friday. It was the 2nd part of a plea deal Floyd’s attorneys worked out with prosecutors.
Lebedev could fight for WBO title if Huck gets stripped
By Eric Thomas: No.2 ranked World Boxing Organization cruiserweight contender Denis Lebedev (23-1, 17 KO’s) could possibly be fighting for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title if the current champion Marco Huck gets stripped by the WBO after he faces WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povtkin in February. Lebdedev would be facing #1 ranked WBO contender Ola Afolabi (18-2, 8 KO’s) for the vacant title.
Andre Dirrell: My brother Anthony and I will be like the Klitschkos in the super middleweight division
Photo credit: Casino/SHOWTIME – By Scott Gilfoid: With Anthony Dirrell (24-0, 21 Ko’s) ranked #1 WBC, #2 WBC in the super middleweight division and his talented brother Andre Dirrell (19-1, 13 KO’s) resuming his career tonight in a fight against Darryl Cunningham (24-2, 10 KO’s) in Cabazon, California, the Dirrell brothers are on the cusp of becoming a one-two punch in the super middleweight division.