By Mark Vester
According to Andre Dirrell's co-trainer and uncle, Leon Lawson Jr., the right hand landed by Arthur Abraham back in March could have left his fighter a cripple. Lawson believes people are underestimating the force of Abraham's punch. During their March fight, Abraham hit Dirrell while he was down on one knee. Following the punch, Dirrell crumbled down to the mat in an unconscious state. Abraham was disqualified.
A few days ago Dirrell withdrew from the Super Six Boxing Classic. He was scheduled to fight close friend Andre Ward in the third stage of the Super Six on November 27. Dirrell's team informed Showtime that Andre was suffering from "neurological problems" that likely stemmed from the fight with Abraham. Dirrell was examined by a doctor and advised to stay away from boxing until he is symptom free for at least three months.
"Abraham's punch did damage, I'm sure of that. Andre could still be comatose and unable to speak. He could have been a vegetable, or act like a 2-year-old. Andre is very disappointed right now, but he is going to rest and get better," Lawson told the Detroit Free Press. "Fans and fight people might be disappointed the fight is off. I can understand that. But they need to look at the punch that landed from Abraham. Then they'll understand."
