Seven months ago, Chad Dawson beat Antonio Tarver by lopsided unanimous decision. On Saturday night in Las Vegas Tarver got his rematch, and Dawson whipped him again.
Although he wasn't quite as dominant as he was the last time they fought, Dawson controlled the pace of the fight throughout and was never in much danger as he won another unanimous decision. The three judges gave the fight to Dawson by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111.
Tarver really didn't deserve a rematch after Dawson thoroughly dominated him when they fought in October, but he had a rematch clause in his contract, and that's why Dawson had to beat Tarver again Saturday night. Here's hoping Dawson, a 26-year-old with a lot of promise, gets a better opponent in his next fight.
The problem, though, is that there aren't many better opponents who will be willing to fight Dawson. Dawson entered the fight ranked as the No. 2 light heavyweight in the world by Ring Magazine, while Tarver entered the fight ranked No. 4. Dawson has already beaten the No. 3 light heavyweight, Glen Johnson, and says he doesn't want to do it again. The two opponents everyone would love to see Dawson fight, the No. 1 ranked Bernard Hopkins and the retired Joe Calzaghe, aren't interested.
"Whoever it is, bring it on," Dawson said after the fight. "Whatever happens for me, I'm ready."
Dawson improved his record to 28-0 and defended his IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles. Tarver fell to 27-6.
Latest Boxing Images
IBF light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (L) punches former champion Antonio Tarver, both of the U.S., during a light heavyweight title rematch in Las Vegas May 9, 2009. REUTERS/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING IMAGES OF THE DAY)
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IBF light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (R) lands a punch on former champion Antonio Tarver, both of the U.S., during a light heavyweight title rematch in Las Vegas May 9, 2009 REUTERS/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
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IBF light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (L) lands a jab on former champion Antonio Tarver, both of the U.S., exchange punches during a light heavyweight title rematch in Las Vegas May 9, 2009 REUTERS/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
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Antonio Tarver reacts after losing to IBF light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson following a rematch fight in Las Vegas May 9, 2009. REUTERS/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
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IBF light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (L) punches on former champion Antonio Tarver, both of the U.S., during a light heavyweight title rematch in Las Vegas May 9, 2009 REUTERS/ R. Marsh Starks (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
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Former heavyweight Mike Tyson champion waits to watch the light heavyweight title fight between Chad Dawson and Antonio Tarver in Las Vegas May 9, 2009 REUTERS/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
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Chad Dawson, right, punches Antonio Tarver during the sixth round of their IBF light heavyweight championship boxing match at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Saturday, May 9, 2009 in Las Vegas. Dawson won by unanimous decision. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
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Chad Dawson, left, lands a right to the face of Antonio Tarver in the 12th round of an IBF light heavyweight title boxing match at the Hard Rock hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Saturday, May 9, 2009. Dawson won by unanimous decision after the 12th round. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Chad Dawson celebrates his victory over Antonio Tarver following their IBF light heavyweight championship boxing match at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Saturday, May 9, 2009 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
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Chad Dawson poses for photos following his IBF light heavyweight championship boxing match victory over Antonio Tarver at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Saturday, May 9, 2009 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-10-2009 @ 7:58AM
mike said...
If Dawson doesn't get Hopkins or Calzaghe next, that's a huge blow to boxing. We need huge fights like that.
Reply
5-10-2009 @ 1:07PM
bobetj7 said...
Hopkins is shot as a fighter. Calzaghe exposed his ass.
Reply
5-10-2009 @ 6:58PM
eddiehaeffer said...
Calzaghe is retired... Hopkins is a defensive genius, the consummate professional and is always in shape... Hopkins wins by KO. Eddie Haeffer's LONG ISLAND BOXING GYM.
Reply
5-14-2009 @ 10:25AM
justatouch4u2 said...
when People Like Tarver forget where they Come from, this is the End result of the Big Head small heart kind of Guy's a Little short on Magic Now. Humm
Reply
5-19-2009 @ 7:44PM
tysonkopower said...
Check Out www.boxingledger.blogspot.com
Reply