Andre Dirrell

Andre Dirrell
Born	(1983-09-07) September 7, 1983 (age 41) Flint, Michigan, U.S.
Other names	The Matrix The Resurrected
Statistics
Weight(s)	Super middleweight Light heavyweight
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Reach	75 in (191 cm)
Stance	Southpaw Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	32
Wins	29
Wins by KO	19
Losses	3
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing   United States Olympic Games 2004 Athens Middleweight

Andre Dirrell (born September 7, 1983) is an American professional boxer.

As an amateur, he won a bronze medal in the middleweight division at the 2004 Olympics. His younger brother Anthony Dirrell is also a professional boxer.

Amateur career

Dirrell and his younger brother Anthony began boxing while still in elementary school in their hometown of Flint, Michigan. The brothers have been trained from the beginning by grandfather Leon "Bumper" Lawson Sr., a former sparring partner of Muhammad Ali, and uncle Leon Jr. ^[1]

Dirrell was a standout as an amateur and won the 2003 United States national amateur championships at middleweight. He also competed at the 2003 Pan American Games, with his results being:

• Lost to Yordanis Despaigne (Cuba) 20-21 ^[2]

He qualified for the Olympic Games by finishing in first place at the 1st AIBA American 2004 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Tijuana, Mexico. Prior to the Athens Games he won the 2004 Acropolis Boxing Cup in Athens, Greece by defeating Cuba's Yordanis Despaigne in the final of the middleweight division.

He won the middleweight bronze medal for the United States at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. His results were:

• Defeated Ha Dabateer (China) 25–18
• Defeated Nabil Kassel (Algeria) RSC 2 (1:59)
• Defeated Yordanis Despaigne (Cuba) 21–20
• Lost to Gennady Golovkin (Kazakhstan) 18–23

Dirrell completed an amateur record of 210–26.

Professional career

Dirrell began his professional career in 2005. A southpaw possessing exceptional athleticism and the ability to switch-hit, he was considered among boxing's top young prospects following an extensive amateur career. Dirrell defeated future world title challenger Curtis Stevens on HBO's Boxing After Dark in June 2007.

Super Six World Boxing Classic

Dirrell was one of the six super-middleweights who competed in Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic, a boxing tournament, along with Arthur Abraham, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler and Jermain Taylor. His first fight and only loss was a split decision to England's Carl Froch on October 17, 2009, for the WBC Super Middleweight Championship. ^{[3] [4] [5] [6]} Two of the judges scored the fight 115–112 for Froch, with the third scoring it 114–113 for Dirrell. ^[7]

On March 27, 2010, Dirrell faced undefeated former Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham in Detroit, Michigan. In the fourth round, Dirrell knocked Abraham down for the first time in his career. Dirrell was outboxing Abraham throughout the bout and comfortably ahead on the scorecards 97–92, 98–91, and 97–92. In the 11th round, a slick spot in the corner of the ring caused Dirrell to slip to one knee. While down, Abraham delivered a punch to the chin of Dirrell; a delayed reaction was followed by Dirrell lying on the ground, unconscious and shaking. The referee ruled the blow by Abraham an intentional foul and awarded Dirrell a victory via disqualification. Some critics contested the ending of the fight, claiming that Dirrell may have overreacted after Abraham's final punch. ^{[8] [9]} However, Dirrell said he was really knocked out and did not know what happened after he fell down.

On October 7, 2010, Dirrell declined to face his friend and eventual Super Six tournament winner Andre Ward, and announced that he was withdrawing from the tournament due to neurological issues. ^[10]

After Super Six

Dirrell took a 21-month layoff to heal from the neurological injuries sustained in the Abraham fight. Dirrell defeated Darryl Cunningham via second-round technical knockout. ^[11]

Thirteen months after that, Dirrell made a return to the ring with a unanimous decision win against Michael Gbenga after knocking him down in round 9. ^[12]

Andre was set to headline Friday Night Fights on April 12, 2013, but withdrew for undisclosed reasons.

Eighteen months after the Gbenga fight, Dirrell returned to score a fifth-round KO against Vladine Biosse. ^[13]

Dirrell vs. DeGale

On May 23, 2015, Andre Dirrell fought against British star James DeGale at the Agganis Arena in Boston. DeGale gained two knockdowns in the second round, which proved to be the difference as he won a unanimous decision over Dirrell to win a 168-pound world title. DeGale won 114–112 on two judges' scorecards and 117–109 on the third. ^[14]

Dirrell vs. Uzcategui I

On May 20, 2017, Dirrell faced Jose Uzcategui for the vacant IBF interim super middleweight title. Uzcategui was disqualified in the eighth round for punching after the bell, and Dirrell was awarded the DQ victory. After the fight was stopped, Dirrell's trainer and uncle Leon Lawson approached Uzcategui and sucker-punched him before fleeing the scene. After the incident, Dirrell apologized for his trainer's actions. ^[15]

Dirrell vs. Uzcategui II

In the rematch, Uzcategui dominated Dirrell over eight rounds, and forced Dirrell's corner to stop the fight right at the beginning of the ninth round. ^[16]

Dirrell vs Cabrera

In his comeback fight, Dirrell fought and defeated Juan Ubalado Cabrera via KO in the fifth round. ^[17]

Dirrell vs Brooker

On July 31, 2021, Dirrell fought Christopher Booker. Dirrell finished his opponent early, by dropping him three times in the third round, forcing the referee to stop the fight. ^[18]

Professional boxing record

31 fights	28 wins	3 losses
By knockout	18	1
By decision	8	2
By disqualification	2	0

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
31	Win	28–3	Christopher Brooker	TKO	3 (10), 2:58	Jul 31, 2021	Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
30	Win	27–3	Juan Ubaldo Cabrera	KO	5 (10), 1:36	Dec 21, 2019	Toyota Arena, Ontario, California, U.S.
29	Loss	26–3	José Uzcátegui	RTD	8 (12), 3:00	Mar 3, 2018	Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.	Lost IBF interim super middleweight title
28	Win	26–2	José Uzcátegui	DQ	8 (12), 3:00	May 20, 2017	MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland, U.S.	Won vacant IBF interim super middleweight title; Uzcátegui disqualified for hitting after the bell
27	Win	25–2	Blake Caparello	UD	10	Apr 29, 2016	Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
26	Loss	24–2	James DeGale	UD	12	May 23, 2015	Agganis Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.	For vacant IBF super middleweight title
25	Win	24–1	Derek Edwards	UD	12	Dec 19, 2014	Colisée Pepsi, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
24	Win	23–1	Nick Brinson	TKO	4 (10), 2:12	Oct 8, 2014	Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
23	Win	22–1	Vladine Biosse	TKO	5 (10), 2:46	Aug 1, 2014	Little Creek Casino Hotel and Resort, Shelton, Washington, U.S.
22	Win	21–1	Michael Gbenga	UD	10	Feb 2, 2013	Convention Center, McAllen, Texas, U.S.
21	Win	20–1	Darryl Cunningham	TKO	2 (10), 2:05	Dec 30, 2011	Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon, California, U.S.
20	Win	19–1	Arthur Abraham	DQ	11 (12), 1:13	Mar 27, 2010	Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.	Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 2; Abraham disqualified for hitting after a slip
19	Loss	18–1	Carl Froch	SD	12	Oct 17, 2009	Trent FM Arena, Nottingham, England	For WBC super middleweight title; Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 1
18	Win	18–0	Derrick Findley	RTD	6 (10), 3:00	Mar 28, 2009	Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Oklahoma, U.S.
17	Win	17–0	Victor Oganov	TKO	6 (12), 0:28	Nov 1, 2008	Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S.	Won vacant WBO–NABO interim super middleweight title
16	Win	16–0	Mike Paschall	TKO	4 (10), 1:32	Aug 2, 2008	Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
15	Win	15–0	Anthony Hanshaw	TKO	5 (10), 1:13	May 2, 2008	Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez, California, U.S.
14	Win	14–0	Shannon Miller	TKO	3 (6), 1:58	Feb 1, 2008	Grand Casino, Hinckley, Minnesota, U.S.
13	Win	13–0	William Johnson	KO	1 (8)	Dec 6, 2007	Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California, U.S.
12	Win	12–0	Curtis Stevens	UD	10	Jun 16, 2007	Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.
11	Win	11–0	Kenny Kost	UD	8	Feb 16, 2007	Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
10	Win	10–0	Cullen Rogers	TKO	3 (8), 1:19	Dec 22, 2006	Perani Arena and Event Center, Flint, Michigan, U.S.
9	Win	9–0	James Sundin	TKO	2 (6), 2:33	Nov 17, 2006	Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, California, U.S.
8	Win	8–0	Marcus Don Hall	TKO	3 (6), 1:57	Jun 23, 2006	Oakland Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.
7	Win	7–0	Alfonso Rocha	UD	6	May 25, 2006	Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.
6	Win	6–0	Mike Eatmon	UD	6	Apr 21, 2006	Omar Shrine Temple, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, U.S.
5	Win	5–0	Juan Camacho	KO	2 (4), 2:42	Aug 18, 2005	HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, U.S.
4	Win	4–0	Carl Cockerham	UD	6	Apr 15, 2005	Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Airway Heights, Washington, U.S.
3	Win	3–0	Jacob Rodriguez	KO	2 (4), 1:12	Mar 10, 2005	Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, Maryland, U.S.
2	Win	2–0	Walter Coles	KO	1 (4), 2:16	Feb 11, 2005	Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
1	Win	1–0	Carlos Jones	TKO	4 (4), 2:50	Jan 27, 2005	Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, Maryland, U.S.	Professional debut

References

1. "Andre Dirrell - Last Fight, Fighter Bio, Stats & News". October 25, 2012.
2. "United States Olympic Committee - BOXING: Its all in the name...second Andre advances to the semifinal round with a win over Cuba". Archived from the original on February 23, 2005. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
3. Andre Dirrell – Boxer Archived June 16, 2015, at the Wayback Machine . Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2014-08-12.
4. Starks, Tim (October 17, 2009). "Andre Dirrell Gets Robbed By Carl Froch In Nottingham; Arthur Abraham Gives Jermain Taylor Another Knockout Loss In Germany | October | 2009 Articles". Queensberry-rules.com. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
5. "Carl Froch Barely Edges Out Impressive Andre Dirrell Via Split Decision". Archived from the original on March 28, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
6. "Barry McGuigan Says Andre Dirrell Beat Carl Froch, Also Predicts A Dirrell Win Over Arthur Abraham!". Eastsideboxing.com. October 24, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
7. Kevin Mitchell (October 18, 2009). "Carl Froch holds off Andre Dirrell in WBC super-middleweight title defence". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 19, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
8. Reeno, Rick (March 29, 2010). "Allan Green: "Andre Dirrell Could Have Continued"". BoxingScene.com.
9. Vester, Mark (April 9, 2010). "Arthur Abraham's Team File Protest on Andre Dirrell Loss". BoxingScene.com.
10. "Andre Dirrell pulls out of Super Six tournament: Will he ever fight again?". Boxingnews24.com. October 7, 2010. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
11. "Full Report: Taylor-Nicklow, Dirrell-Cunningham". Archived from the original on August 13, 2014. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
12. "Andre Dirrell returns to winning ways". Swelterwear.com. February 4, 2013. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
13. "Andre Dirrell wins FNF return, calls out Carl Froch". badlefthook.com. August 1, 2014.
14. "James DeGale does early damage in win over Andre Dirrell". May 23, 2015.
15. "Disgusting Moment Trainer Sucker Punches Boxer At The End Of The Fight". www.sportbible.com. May 19, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
16. "Uzcategui stops Dirrell, wins interim super middleweight world title". ESPN.com. March 4, 2018. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
17. "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
18. Idec, Keith (July 31, 2021). "Andre Dirrell Drops Christopher Brooker Three Times, Stops Him In 3rd Round". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved September 30, 2021.

External links

• Boxing record for Andre Dirrell from BoxRec (registration required)
• Andre Dirrell profile at Premier Boxing Champions
• Andre Dirrell on Abraham, Kessler and Froch at BoxingInsider
• Andre Dirrell - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings at Box.Live

Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous: Julius Fogle	U.S. middleweight champion 2003	Next: James Johnson
Regional boxing titles
New title	WBO–NABO super middleweight champion Interim title November 1, 2008 – March 2009 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Edison Miranda
World boxing titles
New title	IBF super middleweight champion Interim title May 20, 2017 – March 3, 2018	Succeeded by José Uzcátegui