By Gerald Rice April 7th, 2008 All Boxing Interviews
On May 2, 2008, undefeated super middleweight Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell takes on Anthony “The Tyger” Hanshaw at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California on Shobox. Dirrell won an Olympic Bronze Medal in 2004 at 165 pounds while Hanshaw was in the class prior, losing to Jermain Taylor in the Olympic qualifier.
Dirrell was first spotlighted on HBO in June of last year on the undercard of Paulie Malignaggi vs. Lovemore N’Dou, in a winning performance against Curtis Stevens where many thought he could have done more.
Hanshaw hasn’t been active since dropping a lopsided decision to Roy Jones, Jr. as a light heavyweight. SaddoBoxing had the opportunity to speak with both Andre Dirrell and his trainer and grandfather, Leon Lawson, by phone.
SaddoBoxing: How long have you been training Andre?
Leon Lawson: "I trained him for over 12-13 years now. I just constantly train him. I got my son helping me. I worked with him the last 3-4 weeks. He’s down there now with my son."
SB: What does Hanshaw do that might be problematic?
LL: "Nothing.".
SB: Is he impressive at all? The last match I saw him in was the draw with Jean Paul Mendy.
LL: "Well no, I was glad Hanshaw didn’t lose. I been knowing Hanshaw for ten years or better. He’s came up with the group ahead of Andre as far as Olympics go. That was his year anyway. Andre, I’ve worked with him the last couple years and cultivated him. It all adds up and that’s why he’s so fast. He’s the fastest thing out there these days." More...
