Now that Taylor has lost to Froch and Jeff Lacy has become an afterthought, who will be the man to redeem American honor in deep SMW division?
There are three names, all talented, who might step up - Andre Ward, Andre Dirrell, and Allen Green.
Allen Green - he seems to be the media darling. He's on FnF several times. He was the opening act for Taylor/Froch, and believe that the Miranda fight was a BAD headliner. He has consistently dominated the fighters that he is supposed to beat, McCrary, Ravelo, and De Leon. He KO'd Codrington in 1. He was considered the best up and comer at 168 until he dropped to 160 and got beat easily by Edson Miranda. It later turned out that had colon issues and after surgery, he's missing 80% of it. He looked good in last outing and he talks a good game.
Andre Ward - 2004 Olympic Gold winner at LWH. He has developed slowly due to several injuries. Early in his career he had a bad tendency to leave his chin hanging out. He's been down several times against weak opponents. He has dominated the weak opposition that he has faced. Seems to have punching power, but it's hard to judge based on his level of opponent. Of the three fighters, He has the best amateur credentials, but he has fought the least credible opposition. He is scheduled for an huge step up on class against Miranda in May. This may or may not be a good move. He clearly has much more skill than Miranda so he chin may never come into question, but it may get seriously checked by Edson.
Andre Dirrell - It's been said that Andre Ward fought at 178 instead of his more natural 165 in the Amateurs so that both he and Dirrell could go to Athens. Ward one the gold, Dirrell won the bronze. Dirrell has also gotten his share of exposure. He was probably hurt by his completely boring performance against Curtis Stevens on a BAD card where he was clearly the superior fighter but coasted to UD in one of the worst fight I've seen in a while. Since then, nobody has made it past 6 with him, including Anthony Hanshaw and Victor Oganov. He looked pretty damn good in the Oganov fight. Power is good when he is aggressive, and he slips and counters well. He does leave himself open when he throws punches in bunches.
Pending results of the Ward Miranda fight, my eyes tell me Dirrell is going to be the best of this bunch. Even with only 18 fights, I think he needs one or two step up opponents to be ready for the best in the division. I would give him a good shot against Froch right now. I wouldn't mind seeing him fight Pascal, Vitali Tsypko, or even Manfredo Jr as a benchmark for where he is right now.
So vote and give your reasons.
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