Impressive Dawson beats Tarver

Chad Dawson silenced his critics and secured the IBF/IBO light heavyweight titles in a convincing manner with a unanimous 12-round decision over Antonio Tarver in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Dawson’s was a commanding victory at the Pearl inside the Palms, the judges awarding the bout 117-110, 117-110, 118-109 to ensure a 27th win from 27 for the Connecticut man.

En route to his win Dawson wore Tarver out from the start, landing a succession of key punches as he controlled the pace for much of the fight.

The 39-year-old Tarver, a three-time champion, was little match for the unbeaten Dawson. And though he landed a few nice punches, he was in truth making little headway against his assured opponent, for whom this victory is important in ridding himself of a reputation of not beating any top fighters.

Tarver was on the ground less than a minute into the final round as a fine left jab from Dawson emphasised his dominance. He got up to finish the match but in truth was long beaten.

Dawson was have shown that he can beat the best, saying on Setanta Sports: :He had a little bit more than I thought he would have, but I was the faster guy, the younger guy, I had the better legs and I am a champion.

“I knew I had to come on and perform and show everybody my boxing ability and use my jabs, my hand speed, my legs and I won the fight.”

Tarver had no complaints, saying of Dawson: “I respected the guy before I even got in the ring with him.

“He’s proved that he’s a great fighter and hopefully he will take it to the top.

“I don’t regret anything before this fight. I felt confident in my ability and skills and if we fought tomorrow I would still feel the way.”

The beaten Tarver added that he would love to take Dawson on again in an attempt to get revenge, saying when asked: “Of course, I am a champion. We can always go back to the drawing board and see what happens, but right now it’s his night and I take my hat off to champions.”

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