Boxing Preview: Chad Dawson vs. Antonio Tarver 2

Tonight, IBF/IBO Light Heavy Champ “Bad” Chad Dawson faces Antonio Tarver at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas, NV for a rematch to their intial clash last October, which Dawson won by a wide points margin.

In this battle of southpaws, Dawson, 27-0 (17), holds all the advantages with the exception of the experience department, where Tarver, 27-5 (19), has the edge.

At 26, Dawson is far younger than the 40 year old Tarver and he can really only lose this one if he beats himself.

The New Haven man’s defense isn’t the best but he usually wins fights by keeping opponents more concerned about what’s coming at them rather than their own offense.

Tarver’s camp has gotten good mileage during the press buildup for this bout by mentioning that “The Magic Man” has never lost a rematch.

The Florida veteran will be hard pressed to maintain that streak in this one however and must be far more active than in the first fight if he is to have a prayer of upsetting Dawson.

Tarver was largely able to dissuade Clinton Woods from punching back in their IBF title fight last year and if he can get to Dawson early with hard counters, “Bad Chad” could suffer a similar crisis in confidence.

But Dawson is much younger and more mobile than Woods and with Tarver’s natural slow-paced, economical style, it’s hard to see the former world champ pulling off the upset.

For Dawson to cement his chances to win this bout, he must keep at range and make Tarver work and feel all of his 40 years, taking care not to be drawn into an inactive bout that could allow Tarver to stay close.