Anthony Dirrell in motorcycle crash, out for six months

Super-middleweight contender Anthony Dirrell has been injured in a motorcycle crash, according to tweets from his brother, Andre Dirrell, on Friday evening.

“Feeling very sick about the news I’ve received today,” Andre Dirrell wrote. “My little brother, Anthony Dirrell, has got into a motorcycle accident.

“I just got news that surgery went smoothly but he’ll be out for six months,” Andre wrote. “I ask that you pray for him in this time of need.

“It’ll be a very hard time for him and I would love if his fans can keep him lifted! Though the WBC shot is off, I pray he can get through it mentally!”

Anthony Dirrell, 27, spent nearly two years out of the sport between 2006 and 2008 while battling lymphoma. He last fought in December, defeating Renan St. Juste via technical knockout in a win that won him a shot at the World Boxing Council’s 168-pound title. The victory brought his record to 24-0 with 21 knockouts.

Leon Lawson, Dirrell's uncle, told Lem Satterfield of RingTV.com that he believes Dirrell broke a leg and an arm.