Best American Prospect at 168

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.

I've only seen a few fights of each fighter - probably more of Allan Green as he's been a contender awhile longer than the other two.

Of the 3; my favourite to watch stylewise is Andre Dirrell - when he lets those hands go it is truly amazing.

Who goes the furthest? Well I think Green will challenge for a title but lose - he is a decent name and a worthy challenger but at the moment I can see all of the current champions beating him.

Andre Ward - I'm not sold on, he's looked a little shaky at the lower level but does possess a good defensive skills. I think he's going to come unstuck against Edison Miranda and that will be the end of him - if he can take 'Pantera's' power and wins then he will have a great future.

Andre Dirrell - Of the 3; he is where I would put my money. He seems an exciting talent who can switch hit with ease. He seems to lack abit of power but the speed more than makes up for it.
Dirrell has the potential to be a major star.

Easily Andre Dirrell, he is p4p as fast as anyone, he has slick moves off the ropes, he can fight either southpaw or orthodox, but like I said he is so fast that nobody will be able to deal with his speed. He doesn't have great power, but he gets a lot of force behind his shots which means people can't just watch through what he is dishing out.

I voted for Michigan s own Andre Dirrell and keep an eye out for his bro Anthony as well.

Almost impossible to see anything of his brother, its looks like he has similar speed and more power, but you can't deny Andre's amazing amateur experience and success.

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Originally Posted by WelshDevilRob

I've only seen a few fights of each fighter - probably more of Allan Green as he's been a contender awhile longer than the other two.

Of the 3; my favourite to watch stylewise is Andre Dirrell - when he lets those hands go it is truly amazing.

Who goes the furthest? Well I think Green will challenge for a title but lose - he is a decent name and a worthy challenger but at the moment I can see all of the current champions beating him.

Andre Ward - I'm not sold on, he's looked a little shaky at the lower level but does possess a good defensive skills. I think he's going to come unstuck against Edison Miranda and that will be the end of him - if he can take 'Pantera's' power and wins then he will have a great future.

Andre Dirrell - Of the 3; he is where I would put my money. He seems an exciting talent who can switch hit with ease. He seems to lack abit of power but the speed more than makes up for it.
Dirrell has the potential to be a major star.

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I wouldn't shocked to see Ward get by Miranda. He has good footwork, keeps his hands in good position, and hits pretty hard (though his jab is more range finder than punishing weapon). With the exception of Eastman, all the guys Miranda has beaten have been lower level fighters.

Dirrell

Dominic Wade

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Originally Posted by Violent Demise

Dominic Wade

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A little too early for me to tell on this kid, what is he 18? Wasn't he a Jr. Olympic champ a few times?

I'd rate Jacobs ahead

They are finally replaying Green/Deleon jr right now.That was a good hard Ko over tinfoil chinned Jr. Green looks to be getting back on track,called out anyone and everyone.....but to me,he looks like he has two left feet at times,choppy.

Seems they are determined to get Ears Jacobs into the big time.Crazy the turn around he'll be pulling this weekend on PPV undercard after fighting only last Friday night.Always a little weary with so many quick KO's and limited rounds?All the physical tools but really could use some hard rounds Imo.

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Originally Posted by Spicoli

They are finally replaying Green/Deleon jr right now.That was a good hard Ko over tinfoil chinned Jr. Green looks to be getting back on track,called out anyone and everyone.....but to me,he looks like he has two left feet at times,choppy.

Seems they are determined to get Ears Jacobs into the big time.Crazy the turn around he'll be pulling this weekend on PPV undercard after fighting only last Friday night.Always a little weary with so many quick KO's and limited rounds?All the physical tools but really could use some hard rounds Imo.

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2 fights in 8 days! Doesn't it remind you of the old days?

Easily Dirrell.

I no longer rate Green as a prospect.
He's a contender IMO.

Too early to call but look out for my boy from East L.A. Shawn Estrada.

It has to be Direll imo.

Dirrell's a bit all offense or all defense, he comes unglued a bit too easily and he doesn't look like the sturdiest guy but he does have a lot of natural potential so I guess I'd say him but I wouldn't count out Ward yet. I think he'll beat Miranda.