Photos & text by Chris Robinson
On Monday afternoon, super middleweight prospect Andre Dirrell (20-1, 14 KO’s) could be found inside of Johnny Tocco’s Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, putting in some work with a pair of ambitious prospects.
Dirrell sparred two rounds with super middleweight prospect Lanell Bellows (2-0, 2 KO’s) and four with Apopka, Florida’s Craig Duncan, a talented amateur who recently moved to the city with hopes of soon turning professional.
Trainer Rodney Crisler brought both men over from Floyd Mayweather’s personal gym, their usual stomping grounds, after hearing that Dirrell was in search of some sparring.
The work was lively and while Bellows and Duncan were undeterred with their attack, Dirrell’s edges in speed and experience were noticeable.
Now promoted by 50 Cent's SMS Promotions and training under Floyd Mayweather Sr., who was in the building watching on, Dirrell is eyeing a Dec. 15 return to the ring, mentioning that he very well could be seeing time on the proposed George Groves-Glen Johnson undercard, set to take place at the ExCel Arena, in Dockland, London.