DIRRELL: I'LL SHUT FROCH UP

DIRRELL: I'LL SHUT FROCH UP9th October, 2009

Andre Dirrell has branded Carl Froch a "tiresome gasbag" and says the Briton will not stop him realising his world-title dream.

The two unbeaten super-middleweights meet in Nottingham on October 17 in the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament. Froch's WBC title will also be on the line.

Dirrell, who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, says he is tired of Froch's bragging and has promised to shut him up in the ring later this month.

He said: "I've spent my whole life dreaming of this night when I fight for the world title.

"Froch has been foaming at the mouth saying how hopeless my chances are against him. Frankly I find his rants tiresome. No wonder Joe Calzaghe didn't give him a shot.

"He's a gasbag. He may have fought southpaws and orthodox-style fighters, but he has never fought a switch-hitter like me.

"I'm going to go Mickey Mantle on him and shoot the works from the moment the bell rings."

Dirrell's promoter Gary Shaw says he's happy to see his man being written off in some quarters.

He said: "Andre is considered the dark horse of this tournament and that's just fine with us.

"No-one gave him a chance against Victor Oganov or Anthony Hanshaw and he had an early night with both of them, knocking them out in the sixth and fifth rounds, respectively.

"I have no doubt Andre will be the new WBC super-middleweight champion on October 17 and I have no doubt Andre will be in the finals of this illustrious tournament."