Undefeated two-time world light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson took time out of training for his world title defense rematch against Antonio Tarver to comment on the retirement of undefeated two-division world champion Joe Calzaghe of Wales.

“I applaud Joe’s decision," said Dawson." It’s obvious he and his family gave it a lot of thought. Timing is everything and to leave center stage at his peak is rare and certainly comparable to the retirements of Rocky Marciano and Jim Brown. Joe left on his own terms. What could be better?

"He held the super middleweight championship longer than anyone, successfully defended it a record 21 times, unified the titles, and then moved up to light heavyweight, beating two future Hall of Famers. He has been a man for all seasons and will be an inspiration to me as I look to meet and beat his records.

"On behalf of all your boxing fans I say, 'Thank you, Joe.' And now I am ready to succeed Joe as the new king. I have dethroned two world champions in Tomasz Adamek and Antonio Tarver and defended the title against Glen Johnson. I'm only 26 years old and I'm ready to fight the best at 175 pounds for a very long time. Welcome to the Dawson era."

Dawson, 27-0 (17), from New Haven, CT., serving his second term as light heavyweight champion, will make the first defense of the IBF/IBO titles in a rematch against former world champion Tarver on Saturday, March 14, in The Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV.

Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, HBO will televise the world title fight live at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT. Dawson dethroned Tarver as the IBF/IBO champion on October 11, 2008, winning a unanimous decision at the Palms.

Dawson won his first world title in 2007, dethroning undefeated defending WBC champion Tomasz Adamek. He successfully defended the WBC title three times before vacating to challenge Tarver.

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Boxing News Tags: Antonio Tarver, Chad Dawson, Joe Calzaghe