Bika and Dirrell meet for a second time this Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, as part of an excellent triple-header on Showtime topped by Porter-Brook. Their first fight ended in a draw and Bika retained his title belt despite being dropped in the 5th and losing a point in the 11th.
Talking to Lem Satterfield of The RING, Bika said, "I'm coming out to fight. I don't want to run around and chase him. I'm going to show Anthony that I'm ready to do exactly what I've always done - to make people happy to see me fight."
The first fight was an increasingly ugly affair with plenty of clinching, brawling, and fouls, too. That's pretty much how Bika makes his living and I'd be surprised if the rematch is much different.
Bika certainly has the edge in experience while Dirrell possesses excellent natural talent he's yet to fully realize.
Regarding his preparations for the rematch, Bika said:
"Everything has gone smoothly. My team and I have been working very hard and they have been very supportive. The weather has been great and I haven't had any injuries. So everything has gone well...If he wants to take my belt off of me, he better come prepared," said Bika.
Has a fighter ever admitted to a bad training camp before a fight? That'd be something.
Do you think Dirrell can outbox his foe and lift the belt, or will Bika be Bika and grind out an ugly win? Or, heck, you can predict another split draw if you're so inclined.