Andre Ward vs. Andre Dirrell: Potential Fight of the Year

After a lackluster performance by Allan Green against Andre Ward in a so-called attempt to capture the WBA super middleweight title, most fight fans are looking for arguably the best match-up in the Showtime Super Six Classic—Andre Ward vs. Andre Dirrell.

Ward (22-0, 13 KOs) is considered the best fighter in the super middleweight division as he continues to maul the competition. In his fight versus Green, Ward totally dominated in the unanimous decision (all judges scored the bout 120-108.) Ward also decisively dismantled Mikkel Kessler (technical decision in the 11th) and Edison Miranda.

Dirrell (19-1, 13 KOs) is coming off of his most impressive win thus far in his career, emerging victorious over Arthur Abram. Although Abram was disqualified in the 11th round for an apparent illegal blow, Dirrell was clearly in control throughout the course of the fight.

Both Ward and Dirrell have a lot in common besides sharing the same first name. In fact, they were actually teammates in the 2004 Olympics for the U.S. team—Ward won the gold while Dirrell claimed the bronze.

They’re fighting styles are similar as well. Both boxers are known as elusive counter-punchers that possess an infamous stiff jab. Ward, however, is renowned for his power while Dirrell is commended for his speed.

A specific date has not been designated for the fight, but it will be held in the final quarter of 2010.

Dirrell might be more concerned about the location rather than the date, considering a controversial decision that resulted in him losing to Carl Froch in Froch’s hometown of Nottingham, England.

Dirrell believes it was a hometown decision. The referee constantly warned Froch and Dirrell not to throw punches to the back of each other’s head, yet the referee deducted a point from Dirrell for holding during an arbitrary clinch. Since that match, Dirrell has been skeptical of where he fights.

Ward has fought in his hometown of Oakland, California for the entirety of the tournament, so location could be a key topic of debate.

Nevertheless, there is a good chance that this fight won’t even make it to the scorecards. Both boxers are absolute warriors, and the way they throw punches in bunches, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these fighters walks away with their first knockout loss.

So, boxing fans, don’t let the Pacquiao-Mayweather mania keep you down, because this is the fight you should really be looking forward to. Two hungry fighters, not worried about money, drug testing, or law suits—just legacy.