by David P. Greisman
Super middleweight prospect Anthony Dirrell will face Anthony Hanshaw on the Showtime Extreme undercard to July 27’s bout between Andre Berto vs. Jesus Soto Karass, according to The Flint Journal, the Michigan newspaper in Dirrell’s hometown.
This is only Dirrell’s second fight back since a May 2012 motorcycle crash. He also spent nearly two years out of the sport between 2006 and 2008 while battling lymphoma. His comeback began in May, when he took an eight-round decision over Don Mouton. The 28-year-old is 25-0 with 21 knockouts.
Hanshaw is a faded former prospect who probably reached his pinnacle in 2007 in the finals of a Showtime tournament involving 168-pound prospects. Hanshaw fought to a draw with Jean-Paul Mendy in the finale, then followed that up with a loss to Roy Jones Jr. six months later.
Hanshaw has also faced Anthony’s older brother, Andre, losing a fifth-round stoppage in May 2008. His last appearance was in June of this year, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Farah Ennis. The loss brought the 35-year-old’s record to 23-3-2 with 14 knockouts.
David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com
