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."
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