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Super middleweight southpaws “Bad” Chad Dawson and Ian “The Cobra” Gardner will put their contender status on the line in a 12-round battle Friday, Nov. 18, on “ShoBox: The New Generation.” In an entertaining co-feature, Benjamin Flores will oppose Daniel “Azuquita” Jimenez in an eight-round junior lightweight bout. SHOWTIME will televise the Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, doubleheader from the Greater New Haven Athletic Center in New Haven, Conn., at 11 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on west coast).
“Bad” Chad Dawson (18-0, 13 KOs)
“Heading into it, I thought (former World Boxing Association light middleweight champion) Carl Daniels was the toughest fight in my career, but when we got in the ring, I out-boxed him and cruised to an easy victory. I am treating this fight (with Gardner) as if it was my toughest because on paper, it is. But, once we get in the ring and get going, I do not think it is going to be that tough. I am a better boxer than he is. I have to go after him and use my jab.”
“I made 168 (pounds) last night, and I had a little bit to eat, so I had to lose two pounds today in the sauna. I feel more comfortable at 168. When I was fighting at 160, it was tough for me. I had to kill myself to make 160. At 168, I feel very strong, and I do not feel faint like I used to. Tonight, I am going to eat some pasta, oatmeal and potatoes. I have to get my fuel back. Tomorrow, I am going to have a big breakfast, a decent sized lunch, and, then, I will be ready to go.”
Ian “The Truth” Gardner (19-2, seven KOs)
“My match up with Dawson is not the toughest fight I have been in. I have been challenged more and in better competitions, such as a four-rounder with Gil Reyes where he gave me four stitches over my left eye and I broke his jaw. I want Dawson to come straight for me like he says. He has never fought anyone like me before. He is underestimating my abilities as a fighter. I will overwhelm Dawson with my movements and blind him with my punches. Dawson is no threat to me. I have seen his past fights and I am in a different class than he is.”
Benjamin Flores (11-0, four KOs)
“I have never seen any of Jimenez’ fights. I just predict that I am going to win. I am not looking for a knockout. If a knockout happens, it happens. We look at this fight as any other fight. We always come prepared for every fight. I am looking at it as I am his toughest opponent to date. We will win tomorrow night and be back on SHOWTIME soon.”
Daniel “Azuquita” Jimenez (13-1-1, eight KOs)
“I consider all my fights to be tough, but this is an especially big opportunity being on “ShoBox.’ Flores better watch out because I am ready to knock him out.”
