Andre Dirrell (23-1, 16 KOs), fighting for the second time in eight weeks, continued his comeback by stopping Nick Brinson (16-3-2, 6 KOs) in round four at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The bout was the co-main event of the Sam Soliman versus Jermain Taylor IBF middleweight contest.
Dirrell, 31, a native of Flint, MI, started aggressively in the opening stanza. He landed two sharp left hands to the chin of his shorter opponent. Brinson connected with a lopping right that seemed to surprise Dirrell.
In round two, Dirrell, who can fight as either a southpaw or orthodox, feinted Brinson out of position and landed a solid left. Brinson, who resides in Albany, NY fought back, but his punches weren’t bothering Dirrell.
Dirrell used his advantage in length in round three to land lead right hands. Brinson went downstairs, but had to absorb some wicked counter shots.
The fight ended suddenly in round four when Dirrell caught Brinson leaning in.
Big mistake.
Dirrell stepped back and let fly with a powerful left hand. The punch stunned Brinson who hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity. Dirrell wasted no time jumping on the stricken Brinson, who stumbled into his corner. He let his hands go until the referee waved off the contest.
The time was 2:12 of round four.
“I saw the shot, it opened up and it worked for me,” said Dirrell in the ring. “I’m going to keeping working as I go. I feel nothing but blessed.”
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