Boxing Preview: Antonio Tarver vs. Chad Dawson

Las Vegas tonight sees two top American light heavyweights on a collision course for bragging rights in the 175 pound division as IBF/IBO champion Antonio Tarver meets ex-WBC titlist “Bad” Chad Dawson over twelve scheduled rounds at the Palms Casino.

In a battle of southpaws, Dawson, 26-0 (17), vacated his WBC title for this chance to finally face Tarver, 27-4 (19), after the two have engaged in a bad blood war of words in the press over the last couple of years.

At 27 years of age, Dawson has the youth and speed advantage going into this one but 39 year old Tarver has faced the better competition and enjoyed a highly decorated amateur career before turning pro in 1997.

Dawson should be able to outwork the brash champion but if Tarver finds range early, it could take away “Bad” Chad’s confidence as happened to Clinton Woods in his fight with Tarver in April.

Glen Johnson exposed a lot of flaws in Dawson despite losing in their contest in April and Bernard Hopkins established the game plan to dominate Tarver two years ago, but both of those approaches relied on pressure and bullying tactics, which to date hasn’t been in either Dawson’s or Tarver’s playbook.

This has the possibility of being a fairly boring fight if both combatants decide to sit back and counterpunch but it would be in Dawson’s interest to put the pedal to the floor in order to wear the aging Tarver out.

What would be interesting is a Joe Calzaghe clash with the winner of this bout, should Joe get past Roy Jones and decide that Rocky Marciano’s mark of 49-0 is too close not to take a crack at.