Dirrell Gives Froch The Edge To Beat Bute, Eyes Cobra Tilt

By Rick Reeno

Super middleweight contender Anthony Dirrell (24-0, 21KOs) would love to secure a fight with Carl "The Cobra" Froch (28-2, 20KOs). In 2009, Froch won a controversial twelve round split decision over Anthony's older brother, Andre Dirrell. Froch faces IBF champion Lucian Bute on May 26 at the Nottingham Arena in Nottingham. Dirrell is waiting for a date to face Nikola Sjekloca. The WBC recently ordered the two fighters to meet each other for the vacant WBC title.

Dirrell is actually giving Froch the edge to defeat Bute. In an earlier interview with BoxingScene.com, WBA champion Andre Ward also picked Froch to pull off the upset.

"I think Froch will come out and pull the victory out....I really do. I would love to fight in the UK because the fans over there are amazing, but we would have to have an even ball field. You get the country, I get the referee," Dirrell said.

Dirrell was a little surprised with Ward's decision to downplay Bute as a possible challenger.

"Bute is a helluva fighter. I think he proved himself a couple of times. I haven't really fought nobody but Rene St-Juste so I can't really speak on it, but I know my talent and where my talent really is and I think I'm up there with those guys," Dirrell said.