Montreal boxer, Jean Pascal, successfully defended his WBC title and is now the new king of the light heavyweight division after a unanimous technical decision victory over previously unbeaten Chad Dawson on Saturday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
It was a thrilling fight that was stopped in the 11th round after an accidental clash of heads opened a deep cut above Dawson’s right eye.
It went to the scorecards, and Pascal, who now holds a record of 26 wins and 1 loss, got the victory over Dawson, who had a previously clean record of 29 wins against no losses.
From the outset, Pascal established himself by staying in the middle of the ring and attacking Dawson.
He offset his lack of height by ducking under the taller Dawson’s jabs; he was masterful at twisting and weaving to avoid punches. The Montreal pugilist, took the opening three rounds in this manner.
Dawson was at his best in the 11th round. He pounded Pascal against the ropes and when Pascal’s head came up and made contact with Dawson’s forehead, blood spurted from the cut and the referee stepped in to stop the bout.
A rematch between the two fighters is expected.