Those of us in the UK, who started out frustrated at the fact that the live televised broadcast of tonight’s fight card was delayed by a sh***y lower tier English football play off final, actually had our spirits lifted come the end of the in-ring action, when Harlesden’s James DeGale, became the first British fighter in history to lift a professional world title following an Olympic gold medal.
One hell of an achievement.
The likable Londoner is the sole British name on an elite list of fighters that includes both Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard in accomplishing this history making feat, in a fight that was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster for both sides – UK AND US – as the early action saw 2 stunning knockdowns in the 2nd round that left many thinking it would be an early night’s work for the Brit.
DeGale was fantastic early – assured and supremely confident, fast and sharp with his jab – and any doubts that existed over the experience of referee Leo Gerstel – who was in his first world title fight – were quickly dispelled. He was barely called for in a bout in which he did nothing more than occasionally call ‘break’.
If this clash told us one thing, it’s that even in defeat, Andre Dirrell certainly deserves his new moniker of “The Resurrected”.
The man formerly known as ‘The Matrix’ did the American contingent in Boston more than proud after the 2 knockdowns that left him woefully behind on the cards in the early going.
Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, he gradually thought and bullied his way back into the fight from the 5th round – and sensing that Degale’s sharpness and snap was declining ever so slightly – the Athens 2004 bronze medalist was determined to show he wasn’t the only Olympian in that ring.
And cheered on by brother Willie – who has been so irritatingly vocal in the build up – Andre began to do just that.
His powers of recovery are truly phenomenal if tonight’s anything to go by – and any doubt about the Abraham fight of 2011 and the neurological problems he suffered, coupled with his inactivity were certainly put to bed with his comeback tonight.
My own little ‘scrawled-on-the-back-of-a fag packet’ card had it 115-112 for James DeGale come the final bell.
The 2nd round was certainly crucial in terms of points in the bag – and from the 4th round Andre was already chasing the fight – badly. A lesser fighter would have packed it in, though not Dirrell – and he deserves full credit for his spirited efforts, which began in the 5th and continued through until the 10th round, when a flagging DeGale had to draw on all his reserves to not let his massive early lead slip away.
We saw slickness from both sides, southpaw tricks, foot work, mobility and movement – and heart. Bags of it. Two Olympic calibre athletes who were crucially both in form – and a predicted stinker because of a clash of styles, thankfully didn’t materialize.
In the 11th and particularly the final round, DeGale – his dreams in spitting distance, stepped back on the gas and ultimately took the fight by stamping his authority on the contest with the cleaner work – getting back up on his toes, digging deep – and commanding the action as if he knew that it was close – every punch an effort.
When the final bell rang, the two men embraced as if they weren’t quite sure which one had won it. Neither immediately threw their hands in the air or gave outward signals of victory but unanimous scores for the Brit of 114-112 (twice) and a ridiculously wide 117-109 ended up the final nail in the coffin for Team Dirrell.
After Kell Brook going into the lion’s den last August and snatching the IBF 147lb title from Shawn Porter – and DeGale’s road warrior turn tonight – one can only hope George Groves – who is set to challenge newly crowned WBC champion Badou Jack – wins that title and a MASSIVE unification rematch with Chunky is on the cards for UK fight fans.
As for Premier Boxing Champions – they certainly delivered, though I couldn’t help but feel a little sad for James – who won his world title without the fanfare or silky tones of Michael Buffer or Jimmy Lennon Jnr and a ‘proper’ belt presentation – as per Haymon’s ‘format’
I guess when those guys aren’t shouting “And the NEW” it costs a lot less money, yet it’s a little less special for DeGale and the British fans.
Haymon and his UFC of boxing vision is another topic mind you – but explains why there was little fanfare over a traditional title win. It’s in keeping with their ‘vision’….
Chunky said of his history making performance;
“I’ve finally done it. It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m world champ. I made history. I will take on any super middleweight in the world. I’m hard to beat when I’m at my best.”
“Dirrell’s hard to beat – he’s very talented. If anything it’s me and him 2nd and 3rd in the rankings. Andre Ward’s there and then it’s me and him.”
The belt is coming back to the UK – and after a spirited performance from Andre Dirrell – who answered all the questions about his psyche and inactivity – it ultimately wasn’t enough against a man who Carl Froch wants nothing of – and who, for me, is now the best 168lb fighter in Britain by quite a way.
A fight with the returning Ward surely beckons? Whatever happens – the belt is on British soil….
Great for British boxing.
TEAM CHUNKY!
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
