HOW “BAD” IS CHAD DAWSON,,, HE MADE THE “MAGIC MAN” DISAPPEAR AGAIN...

HOW “BAD” IS CHAD DAWSON,,, HE MADE THE “MAGIC MAN” DISAPPEAR AGAIN...

May 9, 2009
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas Nevada
HBO Championship Boxing

written by James “Ricky” Coward


Most of us are still in “Awe” over the poised and tactical destruction carried out by Manny Pacquiao over Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009. But tonight two other accomplished southpaw boxers are stepping into the ring for the second time in less than a year. Though not in the same spot light the Pacquiao vs Hatton fight was under, it has similar significance for IBF / IBO Light Heavyweight Champion, Chad Dawson (27 - 0, 17KO’s) and former undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion, Antonio Tarver (27 - 5, 19KO’s). Many in boxing feel that Dawson is one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport today, and arguably, based on his last several ring appearances and victories against world class opposition, most would probably agree. But for Dawson, being World Champion still has not claimed him that “Big Name” he is looking to attain. Even after a dominate performance over Antonio Tarver in their last meeting, Tarver is still the more widely recognized name in the sport. So for Dawson a win tonight should move him out from underneath the shadow of Antonio Tarver, and into the lime light as the best Light Heavyweight in the world.

A champion finds a way to win, because in his mind he has already won the contest before ever stepping foot into the ring. For the veteran “Prize Fighter’’, Poise, Precision and Audacity are more important than Vigor, Speed and Aggression.

For Antonio Tarver this fight could be one of his last shots at a major world title and a chance to go undefeated in all of his rematches, not to mention having the opportunity to put another world title stamp on an already marvelous career. Many critics will say that age is going to make the difference in this fight, I beg to differ. I think we have all witnessed over the past year, by way of Stellar performances in the ring, how age can make for some, not just an intelligent fighter, but also a more complete fighter. The Shane Mosleys and Bernard Hopkins of the sport give credence to and re-affirm the fact that being triumphant in the ring has little to do with age (within reason of course), but more to do with the human condition,, “Mind Set”.

Tonight the seasoned veteran warrior, conditioned and poised, determined and prepared, will step into the ring against the young warrior, skilled, aggressive and full of vigor.

The stage is set for fight fans and critics alike at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the two “Warriors” enter the ring tonight there is an air of confidence from both camps, and rightfully so. Both fighters look superbly conditioned and ready to showcase what they have been training to do in the ring over the last several months. At the opening bell and into the first round Tarver did something a little different from there last encounter, he used his jab and immediately began pressing the fight. Dawson obliged him and that set the stage for the better part of the first eight rounds. A fairly even give and take between both fighters, with Dawson throwing punches in bunches many of which hitting Tarver on the arms and gloves, and Tarver returning the favor with combinations of his own. There were a number of good exchanges by both fighters, with Dawson throwing considerably more punches in “bursts”. Though it was apparent that Tarver was landing some of the cleaner punches, it was Dawson’s shear volume of punches in “bursts” that were winning him the rounds. But Tarver, to his credit showed poise, a solid defense and counter punched well, delivering some very good combinations of his own throughout the latter rounds of the fight when Dawson seemed to slow down. Tarver continued a purposeful assault and an urgent work rate through to the final bell. At the end of the night the judges all saw the fight in the Champion’s favor by way of a unanimous decision. Chad Dawson undoubtedly earned the victory tonight but did he do enough to propel himself from the status of a “Good” fighter to the level of an “Elite” fighter in boxing, that still remains to be seen. Hats off to Antonio Tarver for a gallant effort and an illustrious career, Though I do not think it is the end of the road just yet for the “Magic Man”,, that also, remains to be seen.