Bad Chad Dawson calls out Antonio Tarver

Bad Chad Dawson calls out Antonio Tarver

http://www.secondsout.com/usa/

By Matt Wells: Light heavyweight contender Chad Dawson, coming off a recent win over veteran Eric Harding, is interested in taking on former world champion Antonio Tarver, a fighter he respects, but feels he is ready for.

"Chad wants to get the word out that he will fight Tarver anywhere, anytime," Dawson's manger Mike Criscio told SecondsOut.

Despite the lopsided loss Tarver suffered at the hands of Bernard Hopkins on June 10th, Dawson believes that Tarver is still one of the elite players in the light heavyweight league, which is why he is issuing this challenge. "I want to fight the best," he says. "I feel that Antonio Tarver, even though he lost to Bernard Hopkins, is still on top of the division. I don't think he lost anything with the Bernard fight."

Dawson had been plying his trade at the middleweight and super middleweight levels for a number of years before stepping up to light heavyweight in June to take on Harding. Though suffering a surprising flash knockdown in the first round, Dawson went on to dominate Harding for much of the rest of the fight, scoring an impressive unanimous decision victory.

As a two-time recognized undisputed champion of the world, Tarver has two wins over Roy Jones Jr. and one over Glen Johnson on his resume. His reputation has suffered in the wake of his loss to Hopkins, but he still has to be considered one of the elite fighters at the light middleweight level.

Tarver couldn't agree terms for a fall fight with Jeff Lacy. Both Lacy and Dawson are trained by Trainer of the Year Dan Birmingham.

Dawson respects Tarver for his abilities and his accomplishments, but believes that the time is right for him to face such a strong opponent. "Tarver's still one of the best in the division, but I know that I can handle him," Dawson says. "I'll be ready whenever the fight can happen. I've heard that he's going to be fighting in October. We could do it then. I'm ready to go whenever."

"Until I fight the best, nobody will know what I can do," Dawson continues. "I feel like whoever I fight, I rise to the occasion. It doesn't matter the calibre of the fighter: I'm going to be right there, I'm going to be in the ring with you, and I'm going to stand toe to toe with you. I feel like I just want a shot."

i havent seen chad dawson fight. what do ya think his chances are of walking away with a W ? and do you think its a fight tarver would be interested in?

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Originally Posted by warreng

i havent seen chad dawson fight. what do ya think his chances are of walking away with a W ? and do you think its a fight tarver would be interested in?

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Not sure.

I like BCD...but he might be a bit green for Tarver.

I think he may be a little green myself, Dawson seems hellbent on throwing that hybrid right hook/uppercut over and over and over. A good fighter will wise up to it and counter his head off all night. Still he's much more gifted physically than Tarver, could be a good one.

I think Tarver's clearly on the downside so I wouldn't be shocked if Chad could pull it out, but I don't see the need to jump that far up in competition this early in his career. Fight somebody like that Paul Briggs guy or that Canadian light heavy prospect, can't remember his name, Lucien somebody.

Then Chad gets knocked out in brutal fashion.

Did you see the Eric Harding fight? Chad got hit with right hooks and left hooks galore whenever he rose from a crouch. Tarver has much more power then Harding and Dawson would end the night looking at the lights.

Dawson is good, but he's inexpierenced. If he tries Tarver soon, I think he'll be bitin off more than he can chew.

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Originally Posted by Hulk

Dawson is good, but he's inexpierenced. If he tries Tarver soon, I think he'll be bitin off more than he can chew.

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I agree with you bro, Dawson could definately be a top guy but he needs a couple more fights & experince fighting at this weight before tackling Tarver.

I never watched Dawsons Creek ???

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Originally Posted by Missy

I never watched Dawsons Creek ???

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Count yourself lucky, it was crap

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Originally Posted by galaxy76

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Originally Posted by Missy

I never watched Dawsons Creek ???

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Count yourself lucky, it was crap

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Yes it did, but what a catchy theme song it had. O0