Andre Dirrell: Does he have the mindset necessary to maximise his talent?

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Andre Dirrell (19-1-0 KO13) is an undeniably gifted boxer. His speed of foot and hand, ability to switch styles and ability to throw a multitude of combo's at lighting speed are all gifts bestowed upon the man, the type of gifts that should make him one of the elite fighters of his division. After all, Dirrell's division is one rich with talent, being a Super Middleweight in 2011 means Ward, Froch, Bute,Kessler and Johnson with a host of younger fighters on their way up behind them, Dirrell should sit comfortably among the cream, especially after having entered the super six competition that started almost two years ago, but curiously enough, he is not quite there.

The Matrix has just one loss on his record and that was a controversial split decision to one of the divisions true and tested performers, Carl Froch. This wasn't a loss that hurt Dirrell's prospects, he showed his talent in that meeting, out boxing Froch for periods and making him look amateurish in his attack's at times. But in that fight we also saw the other side of Dirrell, the side that causes worry. Against Froch Dirrell at times boxed beatifully, but he also fell, rolled, spolied and complained during clinche's that he initiated. In doing so he lost a fight which on talent and style matchup was there for him to win. Say what you like about Carl Froch but the Cobra would never lose a fight in that fashion, he'll do what he has to do to get across the line. The defeat was Dirrell's first, but it was in his biggest victory that the question marks really began to arise about the man from Flint, Michigan.

When Dirrell squared off against Arthur Abraham in March 2010 it proved to be a fight of two momentum's and one moment of madness. Abraham at the time was the the most feared puncher in the division and was favoured before the fight, his devastating knockout of Jermain Taylor having put the rest of the super six combatants on notice. Dirrell unfazed early in the fight used his speed, his slickness and his talent to completely outbox the Armenian over the first two-thirds of the fight, then the action changed. In final third Abraham came on strong, throwing with hurt and looking to finish. Dirrell was still ahead but the confidence of earlier had somewhat evaporated, in the championship rounds the fight would have its defining moment. Dirrell slipped in the eleventh and Abraham threw an illegal blow, that much is not in dispute. What is in dispute is the damage inflicted by the illegal blow. With Abraham disqualified Dirrell lay quivering on the canvas, but not everyone was convinced the Matrix was as hurt as he looked, or perhaps wanted to look.

After that victory many questions about the Matrix were raised, even more after Dirrell cancelled his scheduled fight against old friend and formidable talent Andre Ward in round three and bowed out of the sixes. Since then we have seen nothing from Dirrell, hopefully that is about to change. Now with a full bill of health Dirrell is scheduled to get back in the ring on August 19th with a tune up bout, but even that has been pushed back a week.

We will probably never know the extent in which Andre Dirrell was hurt versus Arthur Abraham, and never will we see the doctors reports which would add credence to his claims of blackouts and blurred visions following the fight. But we do know this, Andre Dirrell is a ferocious talent and one which on paper is a test for the elite of the 168 division. But there is also the other Andre Dirrell, the one that fawned and fell, clinched and moaned his way to a loss against Carl Froch and the same that may (and we do mean may) have taken the easy way out against Arthur Abraham.

We look forward to seeing the Matrix back in action this month, but also you have to wonder: Does Andre Dirrell have the mindset to maximise his talent? Only time will tell.

If he had Froch's confidence he could arguably be the best in the division, but he's too easily spooked. I don't think he has the eye of the tiger.

It was clear in his amature days too. Against Golovkin he looked Bambi whenhe went back to his corner because he was against a guy who wouldn't let him win.

Gifted athlete and boxer.

Poor fighter.

I feel he mabe has too many people around him telling him he's great and needs someone to give him slap and say "TOUGHEN UP BOY THIS IS YOUR SHOT!!"

You could probably draw some parallels with Jermaine Taylor. Seems to have great skills and movement but lacks that fighting heart and concentration to see it through when the going gets tough. Can sometimes appear disinterested or unfocused at crucial stages and wilts under pressure.

Not sure what to make of the whole extended abscence and phoney/real DQ vs Abraham. Think he deserves credit for entering the super 6 in the first place as a relatively green fighter and has impressed in bursts. But unsure of where he plans to go from here.

He's a gutless fool!

He's a very talented fighter albeit mentally he's very weak.

Maybe a bit biased due to me persuading a few mates to make the trip to Nottingham to watch him fight Froch for him to run all night.

Took the easy way out against Abraham.

Blamed Abraham's illegal punch for the reason of pulling out of Super 6 and duck Ward.

I would be quite happy if he lost every fight he has for the rest of his career.

The guy invented a fake doctor to diagnose a mental illness.

No.

Valero's Conscience wrote:He's a gutless fool!

He's a very talented fighter albeit mentally he's very weak.

Maybe a bit biased due to me persuading a few mates to make the trip to Nottingham to watch him fight Froch for him to run all night.

Took the easy way out against Abraham.

Blamed Abraham's illegal punch for the reason of pulling out of Super 6 and duck Ward.

I would be quite happy if he lost every fight he has for the rest of his career.

what? That same runner that many thought actually BEAT Froch? The guy that lost by only a SPLIT decision? Wouldnt class that as running judging by the scorecards. Not to mention he has a mental illness due to the ILLEGAL punch thrown by Abraham. Do you have ANY idea what your on about or are you just winding people up?

d260005p wrote:Not to mention he has a mental illness due to the ILLEGAL punch thrown by Abraham

Good one.

Scottrf wrote:

d260005p wrote:Not to mention he has a mental illness due to the ILLEGAL punch thrown by Abraham

Good one.

I see Dirrell like I see Judah. Prodigious talent but when the going gets too tough he looks for a way out.

d260005p wrote:

Valero's Conscience wrote:He's a gutless fool!

He's a very talented fighter albeit mentally he's very weak.

Maybe a bit biased due to me persuading a few mates to make the trip to Nottingham to watch him fight Froch for him to run all night.

Took the easy way out against Abraham.

Blamed Abraham's illegal punch for the reason of pulling out of Super 6 and duck Ward.

I would be quite happy if he lost every fight he has for the rest of his career.

what? That same runner that many thought actually BEAT Froch? The guy that lost by only a SPLIT decision? Wouldnt class that as running judging by the scorecards. Not to mention he has a mental illness due to the ILLEGAL punch thrown by Abraham. Do you have ANY idea what your on about or are you just winding people up?

Mental issues which were never clarified and which have since conveniently cleared up. The only mental problem Dirrell suffers from is being wet between the ears.

He's certainly fleet of foot, but I wouldn't say he has great footwork. He spends far too much time on the canvas, and when ol' banana boots isn't falling over he's bent double or running away with his back to his opponent. The Abraham fight was too iffy to be considered a genuine win-Dirrell had just been knocked down, so was certainly starting to look ragged, and his little performance (on the canvas) was far from convincing.

I suspect Dirrell is a bit chinny, and that he knows this.

To summarise: no, he doesn't have the mental toughness to help him through situations where simply being fast isn't enough.

Scottrf wrote:

d260005p wrote:Not to mention he has a mental illness due to the ILLEGAL punch thrown by Abraham

Good one.

He does not suffer from a mental illness, but has experienced 'neurological problems'. The symptoms he described were headaches and dizziness. Dirrell was also sent for CAT and MRI scans to find the root of these symptoms, but to the best of my knowledge has not disclosed the findings. I do find it a little suspicious that he hasn't provided any more information, especially when many people are dubious about the actual reasons for his extended layoff.

His brother, Anthony Dirrell, was on ESPN last week.
He looks quite promising as well.

6oldenbhoy wrote:

Scottrf wrote:

d260005p wrote:Not to mention he has a mental illness due to the ILLEGAL punch thrown by Abraham

Good one.

He does not suffer from a mental illness, but has experienced 'neurological problems'. The symptoms he described were headaches and dizziness. Dirrell was also sent for CAT and MRI scans to find the root of these symptoms, but to the best of my knowledge has not disclosed the findings. I do find it a little suspicious that he hasn't provided any more information, especially when many people are dubious about the actual reasons for his extended layoff.

He cleared it up on Fight Camp360. He was referred from his family doctor (who he can't remember the name of) to specialist Dr. Shaw ("...no wait that's my promoter") ...High. Dr. Shawhigh.

This doctor is a genius and will miraculously clear up his problems for his next fight. Just a shame they appeared just before his toughest test, which he was having reservations about anyway.

Scottrf wrote:

6oldenbhoy wrote:

Scottrf wrote:

d260005p wrote:Not to mention he has a mental illness due to the ILLEGAL punch thrown by Abraham

Good one.

He does not suffer from a mental illness, but has experienced 'neurological problems'. The symptoms he described were headaches and dizziness. Dirrell was also sent for CAT and MRI scans to find the root of these symptoms, but to the best of my knowledge has not disclosed the findings. I do find it a little suspicious that he hasn't provided any more information, especially when many people are dubious about the actual reasons for his extended layoff.

He cleared it up on Fight Camp360. He was referred from his family doctor (who he can't remember the name of) to specialist Dr. Shaw ("...no wait that's my promoter") ...High. Dr. Shawhigh.

This doctor is a genius and will miraculously clear up his problems for his next fight. Just a shame they appeared just before his toughest test, which he was having reservations about anyway.

Four years of studying neuroscience, and never once did I hear of this miracle worker Dr Shawhigh. He should be a staple part of the course, as he's clearly a front runner in modern neurology. I'll take a guess here though and say he never disclosed what the problem was or how he cured it though did he?

6oldenbhoy wrote:Four years of studying neuroscience, and never once did I hear of this miracle worker Dr Shawhigh. He should be a staple part of the course, as he's clearly a front runner in modern neurology. I'll take a guess here though and say he never disclosed what the problem was or how he cured it though did he?

You would have to contact Dr. Shawhigh for that information. He's one of the best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S4vEyQOC-c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

He couldn't possibly be lying.

Not a chance in Hell he is lying. Its easy to forget the names of the two people who are working closely with you to try and cure the ailment that is stopping you from your profession.

Unfortunately a quick search of 'Dr Shawhigh' yielded no results. However, it is understandable that a man of his undoubted talents doesn't have time to post contact details for the hospital he works in when there are Nobel prizes to be won.

BALTIMORA wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S4vEyQOC-c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

He couldn't possibly be lying.

The eyes give it away, the lying numpticheeks. Zeee eyes!

He should have to return his Oscar he won following the Abraham fight after that disgraceful performance.

He has no bottle and when the going gets tough he wants out. Body language is awful etc. Shame as i rate him a better technical fighter than Ward

anthony dirrell is the real deal i think, also he has battled cancer already so he laughs in the face of punches. Andre tho, is he mentally too weal for the sport? We said that (i did) about Ortiz after maidana and he cam back

oh and technically cooxy i agree, i think he is easily the most talented in the division on that basis

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/168277-qaa-andre-dirrell-my-mind-has-never-been-sharper-than-it-is-today-

Brilliant quote from Dirrell on Ward-Froch:

"But I'm hoping that he doesn't fall into that category where he gets caught up in Froch's game like I did. Even though I still feel like I won the fight, that was back when I didn't know a lot about holding."

haha oh he knew PLENTY about holding

Only time will tell if he has the mindset. Think he's getting a bit of a raw deal here though. Deserves credit for fighting the likes of Froch and Abraham in his 19th and 20th fights. People like Bute get slated for not fighting the best but least Dirrell gave it a go.

i slate bute regualrly and you're right, but Dirrell did do some things in both those tough fights that make you wonder

paperbag_puncher wrote:Only time will tell if he has the mindset. Think he's getting a bit of a raw deal here though. Deserves credit for fighting the likes of Froch and Abraham in his 19th and 20th fights. People like Bute get slated for not fighting the best but least Dirrell gave it a go.

Did he fight Froch? I remember him turning up and climbing into the ring, but I struggle to recall Dirrell doing much fighting during the hour that followed.

BALTIMORA wrote:

paperbag_puncher wrote:Only time will tell if he has the mindset. Think he's getting a bit of a raw deal here though. Deserves credit for fighting the likes of Froch and Abraham in his 19th and 20th fights. People like Bute get slated for not fighting the best but least Dirrell gave it a go.

Did he fight Froch? I remember him turning up and climbing into the ring, but I struggle to recall Dirrell doing much fighting during the hour that followed.

He signed for the fight didn't he which shows more balls than a lot of fighters out there. Managed to get a SD which shows it was a lot closer than some Froch fights like to let on. What did Froch expect? That Dirrell come out and stand and trade and play to all of Froch's strengths? Of course he had to try be elusive, hit and run and avoid Froch's power. It was his 19th fight. Made Froch look a mug at times.

paperbag_puncher wrote:

BALTIMORA wrote:

paperbag_puncher wrote:Only time will tell if he has the mindset. Think he's getting a bit of a raw deal here though. Deserves credit for fighting the likes of Froch and Abraham in his 19th and 20th fights. People like Bute get slated for not fighting the best but least Dirrell gave it a go.

Did he fight Froch? I remember him turning up and climbing into the ring, but I struggle to recall Dirrell doing much fighting during the hour that followed.

He signed for the fight didn't he which shows more balls than a lot of fighters out there. Managed to get a SD which shows it was a lot closer than some Froch fights like to let on. What did Froch expect? That Dirrell come out and stand and trade and play to all of Froch's strengths? Of course he had to try be elusive, hit and run and avoid Froch's power. It was his 19th fight. Made Froch look a mug at times.

Audley Harrison signed to fight David Haye. Should we give him credit for that? Roy Jones Jr was elusive, but also engaged offensively, which Dirrell failed to do for the vast majority. When he did he actually had some success, so why didn't he do it more often?

paperbag he did at times, true. But he also fell, held and generally stank the place out. No one expecte him to trade, but he should of boxed and moved more than just stinking the place out for half the rounds. Also against AA when arthur came on strong he took (in some opinions) the easy way out rather than finish the fight. Also you might argue that the money he was making motivated him to entert he six and he quite before finishing. All of these are things you might argue but your pointsare valid

Great talent, lets see how he does with the big boys in the future

paperbag_puncher wrote:

BALTIMORA wrote:

paperbag_puncher wrote:Only time will tell if he has the mindset. Think he's getting a bit of a raw deal here though. Deserves credit for fighting the likes of Froch and Abraham in his 19th and 20th fights. People like Bute get slated for not fighting the best but least Dirrell gave it a go.

Did he fight Froch? I remember him turning up and climbing into the ring, but I struggle to recall Dirrell doing much fighting during the hour that followed.

He signed for the fight didn't he which shows more balls than a lot of fighters out there. Managed to get a SD which shows it was a lot closer than some Froch fights like to let on. What did Froch expect? That Dirrell come out and stand and trade and play to all of Froch's strengths? Of course he had to try be elusive, hit and run and avoid Froch's power. It was his 19th fight. Made Froch look a mug at times.

Haye signed to fight Wlad twice. Does that make him twice as brave? Dirrell signed up for the WHOLE tournament. When he climbed through the ropes he spent more time hugging and falling over than any other boxer in recent memory. So what if it was his 19th fight? He signed the tournament contract.

He's weak-minded. It's that simple. The fact that he lost by a narrow margin to Froch only underlines how mentally fragile Dirrell is. If he'd not spent about 75% of the fight with his back turned or holding on for dear life or on the floor, he'd have very possibly won. As it was, he bottled it. He was winning against Abraham, then after the first time Abraham knocked him down he looked like a rabbit in the headlights. I really don't buy that act he put on.

BALTIMORA wrote:

paperbag_puncher wrote:

BALTIMORA wrote:

paperbag_puncher wrote:Only time will tell if he has the mindset. Think he's getting a bit of a raw deal here though. Deserves credit for fighting the likes of Froch and Abraham in his 19th and 20th fights. People like Bute get slated for not fighting the best but least Dirrell gave it a go.

Did he fight Froch? I remember him turning up and climbing into the ring, but I struggle to recall Dirrell doing much fighting during the hour that followed.

He signed for the fight didn't he which shows more balls than a lot of fighters out there. Managed to get a SD which shows it was a lot closer than some Froch fights like to let on. What did Froch expect? That Dirrell come out and stand and trade and play to all of Froch's strengths? Of course he had to try be elusive, hit and run and avoid Froch's power. It was his 19th fight. Made Froch look a mug at times.

Haye signed to fight Wlad twice. Does that make him twice as brave? Dirrell signed up for the WHOLE tournament. When he climbed through the ropes he spent more time hugging and falling over than any other boxer in recent memory. So what if it was his 19th fight? He signed the tournament contract.

He's weak-minded. It's that simple. The fact that he lost by a narrow margin to Froch only underlines how mentally fragile Dirrell is. If he'd not spent about 75% of the fight with his back turned or holding on for dear life or on the floor, he'd have very possibly won. As it was, he bottled it. He was winning against Abraham, then after the first time Abraham knocked him down he looked like a rabbit in the headlights. I really don't buy that act he put on.

Haye only got in the ring with Wlad once so no not twice as brave. For my money Haye was a lot more disappointing aswell. Dirrell came close to winning whereas Haye was totally outclassed. You're right though Dirrell does seem mentally weak and should have beat Froch. Wouldn't write him of just yet though showed more than enough against Froch and Abraham to suggest he could be class. Just a case of whether he's learnt from them fights. The fact that these fights came early in his career is relevant imo though. He was relatively green against Froch. Looked great against Abraham for the majority of the fight.

It's not the fact the fights came early in his career, it's the fact that he chose to take those fights. He should be commended for taking on the challenge, but he's not the first guy to take big fights relatively early on.

Agreed, he looked impressive against Abraham for most of the fight, but unfortunately when it came to the crunch he buckled. I really don't think he has the strength of mind to succeed at world level for any length of time, or to display any real dominance at that level.

To see a PROFESSIONAL boxer running away from their opponent, arms wildly flailing above his own head, is an embarrassment, regardless of how green he may or may not be.

Dirrell has the skills but not the heart or mental toughness.