We?ve taken a few weeks off from our Bank or Bust column, but with 2012 having just kicked off, it?s time to once again get down to business.
In this week?s edition, we have Ali Shakoor and Patrick Cassidy on our hot seats, so let?s get to it.
Round 1: Andre Dirrell looked just as sharp as he did prior to his long layoff in his KO win over Darryl Cunningham.
Ali Shakoor: BANK – But the proper answer is, who can tell? Dirrell only got in 2 rounds of work, against a person that he completely outclassed. But he did look quick, and showed a lot of pop. He did what he was supposed to do, against a club fighter. But I do think he looked good doing it.
Patrick Cassidy: BUST – It?s difficult to asses the situation fully due the fact that Cunningham looked about as strong an opponent as Barry Horowitz (wrestling fans?) but Dirrell did look like he?s not suffering from any type of long-term rust or skill degradation. However, it?s hard to believe that after a lengthy layoff,and possible deeper issues ruminating inside he and his camp, he is now prepared to go right back into fighting the likes of Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler. I?d like to see him step up against one of the many talented fighters waiting at 168 that are below the top tier but still capable of being a titlist. I think then we?ll have a clearer answer.
Round 2: Out of the obvious options for Pacquiao (not including Mayweather), you?d pick Timothy Bradley as his next opponent.
