Dirrell vs. DeGale For IBF Title Showdown On NBC In Boston

ByBoxing Press

A Memorial Day weekend showdown takes center stage when Olympic stars battle it out, as 2004 Bronze medalist for the United States Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) meets 2008 Gold medalist for Great Britain James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) in an IBF super middleweight title bout as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC comes to Boston on Saturday, May 23 live on NBC and NBCSN.

Live coverage of this special Memorial Day weekend afternoon edition of PBC on NBC starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on NBC and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

“I’m ready for this fight,” said Dirrell. “I’m so happy and honored to be fighting on NBC for a world title against a worthy opponent in James DeGale.”

“We are almost there, on May 23 it’s my time to make history as the first Briton to win an Olympic gold medal and a world title,” said DeGale. “I’m excited about coming to the U.S for this fight, Boston is a great city and I will be bringing plenty of support from the UK. It’s been a frustrating period waiting for my shot but now it’s here and no one is taking it away from me.”

An amateur standout who won two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to his Olympic Bronze medal, the 31-year-old Dirrell looks to keep up his recent win streak when he battles DeGale on May 23.

A winner of his last six fights, Dirrell’s only blemish on his record is a split decision loss to Carl Froch in 2009. The fighter out of Flint, Michigan holds victories over Arthur Abraham and Curtis Stevens.

Born in London, DeGale won a Commonwealth Championship Bronze medal in 2006 and an Olympic Gold medal in 2008. The 29-year-old turned pro in 2009 and won his first 10 starts while ending eight of those opponents within the distance.

His only loss came in 2011 when he lost to fellow countryman George Groves by a narrow majority decision. Since then he has won 10-straight bouts including his most recent victory over Marco Antonio Periban.

PBC and DiBella Entertainment are proud to be working in association with Ken Casey and his Murphys Boxing on this event. The Dropkick Murphys front man has been on the front lines of the boxing resurgence in Boston.

“Boston deserves to have big time fight cards like this. We have rabid boxing fans and a ton of talented world class fighters, many of which will be featured on May 23,” said Casey.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.