Is Andre Ward avoiding Anthony Dirrell?

[Evil Abed]

What kind of champion vacates the title in order to avoid fighting a credible contender? If the Dirrells are such friends of Andre Ward why doesn't Anthony relinquish his mandatory number 1 slot, so Andre doesn't have to vacate?...

Really don't see Anthony as a credible opponent. He's talented but has fought no one remotely good.

Its way to easy to get that mandatory spot. + if Anthony can beat a live opponent people might actually care about this match-up.

I don't believe that Anthony and Ward are friends at all. Anthony has said in interviews that he would love to fight Ward. I think Ward and Andre D are friends.

[ny123]

All u have to do is look at Wards resume to know the answer to this question. Seriously who the hell is Anthony Dirrel to Ward? Everyone knows Ward is the top dog at 168 with or without the WBC belt.

[Dedication]

Don't give me that bull. Why ruin the kid's career before it's even started?! Let a fight between them marinate. He'll get slaughtered, and be flipping burgers in 2-3 years time if he fights Ward now. Dumb thread.

[BostonGuy]

Really don't see Anthony as a credible opponent. He's talented but has fought no one remotely good.

Its way to easy to get that mandatory spot. + if Anthony can beat a live opponent people might actually care about this match-up.

I don't believe that Anthony and Ward are friends at all. Anthony has said in interviews that he would love to fight Ward. I think Ward and Andre D are friends.

Maybe he's not that credible an opponent; but what's the harm in Ward defending his WBC strap against (A) Dirrell? Also, I think Anthony may be unproven but certainly capable and probably more competitive than Ward's last couple of opponents.

What other options does Ward have at the moment?

[THE REED]

Unproven and incapable are two different things.

Anthony may not have any names on his resume, but his talent and capabilities still pose a threat to Ward.

[Brother Jay]

Don't give me that bull. Why ruin the kid's career before it's even started?! Let a fight between them marinate. He'll get slaughtered, and be flipping burgers in 2-3 years time if he fights Ward now. Dumb thread.

Call it what you like. This is honestly Sweetscience100's thread.

I only created this thread because the mods deleted the original thread while I was typing my reply. Hence the quote in the original post.

That didn't sit well with me, And here we are.

So feel free to preach about how dumb it is. I could care less.

[4Corners]

No way. Anthony Dirrell doesn't have a single legit win, so until he gets one, he shouldn't be fighting for a title. Andre Dirrell is a better fight. He really should be undefeated, because he was robbed against Froch and then beat Abraham.

I'd rather see Andre Ward vs. Andre Dirrell. Even though the styles might make it not the most exciting fight, it's the one that Ward should take next.

Anthony Dirrell should focus on fighting another top contender right now instead.

[Dedication]

Call it what you like. This is honestly Sweetscience100's thread.

I only created this thread because the mods deleted the original thread while I was typing my reply. Hence the quote in the original post.

That didn't sit well with me, And here we are.

So feel free to preach about how dumb it is. I could care less.

I realise this now. Might have jumped the gun a little with the earlier post. Didn't mean to tear your arm out.

All I want to say really is no point destroying the kid's career yet.

[sicko]

I am a big fan of Anthony Dirrell...but what has he done?

Ward would be a hypocrite if he was to say "Bute Has To Fight Somebody Before He Gets His Shot" then turn around and fight Anthony Dirrell who has done LESS THEN BUTE up to this point

Bute, Anthony Dirrell, they all will get their shot eventually

[DoktorSleepless]

Guys, the mod the deleted it because it was a troll thread. The article was like 3 weeks old and Ward had already denied that the rumors true.