Boxing Update: Emanuel Steward To Train Chad Dawson

ByBoxing Press

Former WBC and IBF light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson will be under new stewardship when he begins preparations for his rematch against WBC light heavyweight titlist Jean Pascal early next year. Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward has agreed to join Dawson’s corner as head trainer.

Steward has trained 41 world champion fighters, including Tommy Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya, Wladimir Klitschko and Miguel Cotto.

“I have always been a big fan of Chad’s and I think he will bring excitement back to the light heavyweight division and to boxing,” said Steward. “I am not interested in winning decisions. I’m concussion crazy. I only want Chad to win by knockouts and I know that’s what he wants to do too. HBO’s investment in Chad is going to pay off big dividends and his stock will be a “strong buy” in 2011, especially after he destroys Pascal in their rematch.

“It was very frustrating watching Chad, who I think has an enormous amount of talent, fighting the wrong type of fight against Pascal,” continued Steward. “At this stage of my career, I’m only going to work with fighters who can achieve greatness and I see greatness in Chad Dawson. Chad Dawson will regain his light heavyweight title and perhaps add titles in the super middleweight and cruiserweight divisions. He is that talented.”

“This is a great holiday gift for Chad and his fans,” said his promoter Gary Shaw. “Chad needed a change in direction and we think Manny Steward is the perfect tonic. Manny is simply great! He brings a lot of world championship success and experience with him.

“While promoting Lennox Lewis, I had the pleasure of watching his training methods firsthand. To say I was impressed would be a gross understatement. I know he will help Chad fulfill all his potential in becoming a complete top pound for pound fighter. Manny has vowed to bring Chad’s potent offense to the forefront when he challenges Pascal in their rematch next spring.

“Much of Chad’s past success is owed to his former trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. But as they say, styles make fights, not just inside the ring but inside the gym and after reflecting on several issues following the Pascal fight, a change in trainer seemed to be the prudent decision. However, with that said, I have the utmost respect for Eddie as a man and as a professional.”

Dawson (29-1, 17 KOs), from New Haven, Conn., boasts victories over world champions Antonio Tarver (2). Glen Johnson (2), Tomasz Adamek and Carl Daniels.