Before this fight, the general consensus was that Andre Dirrell would initially cause Carl Froch problems, but eventually, the experience and power of 'the Cobra' would shine through and lead to a mid-late stoppage. However, Dirrell fought out of his skin, and nearly earned a decision over the hometown fighter.
How Froch Beat Dirrell
In the first two rounds, there was really nothing of note which occured. It was evident even at this stage that Dirrell didn't want to trade, and Froch started slowly. It would be impossible to give the first round as anything but even, although there is possibly an argument for giving Dirrell the second for effective countering.
In round three, Froch managed to impose himself more on the challenger, and although Dirrell was remarkably elusive, Froch managed to pin him on the ropes a couple of times.
In round four though, Dirrell bamboozled Froch with combinations and stayed out of range. This looked very negative but Dirrell's tactics were working as Froch was walking onto punches and getting frustrated in the process.
Round five was closely contested. Froch's frustration showed when he bodyslammed Dirrell to the floor when the fighters got in close, but apart from that, both did some decent work.
Froch got through in round six though, and rocked Dirrell with a solid right straight. Dirrell wiggled his way out of trouble after this, but didn't do enough afterwards to salvage the round.
Dirrell started the seventh well, but Froch managed to muscle his way in and rough the Olympic bronze medalist up as the round dragged on, making the pair fairly inseperable in this session.
The home fighter (Froch) landed an excellent left hook in round eight, but Dirrell probably took it as his movement and combinations in the first couple of minutes were too much for Froch to digest.
The ninth stanza was fairly uneventful, but Froch showed good ring generalship, and forced Dirrell into corners. The American was still looking sharp at this point though, and the Nottigham contingent seemed to be getting worried.
Andre Dirrell was deducted a point in round ten for leaning on Froch, although his general demenour throughout the fight (including fake slips and excessive amounts of holding) was probably just as much to do with it. The Olympian wasn't phased by this though, as he probably had his best round of the fight.
He cranked his work up a gear in the eleventh as well; really not giving Froch time to wind his shots up and keeping him off balance. The twelfth round looked as if it was going to be vital.
Froch pulled the twelfth out of the bag by keeping the fight where he wanted it and showing Dirrell's unwillingness to trade.
The Judges Render Their Decisions
The eventual result was a split decision in favour of Froch. The judge who gave the fight to Dirrell scored the bout 115-114, while the two judges that gave it to Froch both scored the bout 115-112.
Where Now For Froch And Dirrell?
In the next round of the Super Six tournament, Carl Froch will face 'SkyBet's' favourite to win the whole competition - Mikkel Kessler. He will surely have his hands full here, although Kessler's style will suit Froch better than that of Dirrell.
As for Dirrell, he has a tough draw, as in the next round, he fights undefeated Armenian wrecking machine, 'King' Arthur Abraham. Dirrell proved tonight though, that he can mix with the best, and maybe he'll give Abraham more problems than many first thought he had the ability to give the former IBF Middleweight Champion.
