Talking Boxing with "BAD" CHAD DAWSON
"I box smart and when I see the chance to take him out, I take him out"
by
Jason Peck
2/28 - Jermain Taylor's televised stoppage of Daniel Edouard on the Bernard Hopkins undercard made it clear that the boxing media expects him to dominate the division. But when Hopkins relinquishes all four of his world title belts, the division's open to all comers.
Into the picture comes "Bad" Chad Dawson, a 17-0 southpaw with a string of vicotires to his name and a style similar to Thomas Hearns. Hopkins may be the champion, but Taylor is the heir apparent, and Dawson's looking for a future fight with the young upstart to prove who's the real king of the division. "He's a good fighter, but I think I'm a better one. I don't take nothing away from him," Dawson said about Taylor. "But I'm not the guy who's just going to get paid. I'm the best." Currently, Dawson is training for two fights, a March 11th match against an unnamed opponent and an April 1st match against the rugged Jose Spearman. Dawson took some time out of his schedule to talk with us.
"BAD" CHAD DAWSON
Jason Peck: Tell us a little about yourself
"Bad Chad Dawson: I am 22 years old, I been boxing since I was 10 years old. I love doing it and hopefully it will take me to the top. I've been around a long time, I had brothers that fought so it's in the blood. I have 4 brothers and sisters, a son who's 20 month old son, and a beautiful girlfriend.
Jason Peck: Jermain Taylor is being promoted as the next middleweight champion. What do you have that he doesn't?
"Bad Chad Dawson: He's a good fighter, but I think I'm a better one. I don't take nothing away from him, but I'm not the guy who's just going to get paid. I'm the best. My dream is to be undisputed world champion, and he's another person in the way.
Jason Peck: Felix Sturm is fighting Bert Schenk, and if he wins his name will probably arise as another competitor. Any opinions on him?
"Bad Chad Dawson: He's a good fighter too, Jermain Taylor's a good fighter, Chad Dawson is a good fighter. We're all young fighters trying to make a name for ourselves. I'll fight either one of them, they're just blocking my dreams. Like you said, their amping him [Taylor] up to be as good as Bernard, but I don't think so.
Jason Peck: When do you think you'll have your first title shot?
"Bad Chad Dawson: Hard to say, you know how it is in boxing. Whatever happens happens. I'm ready for it right now, but hopefully by the end of the year I'll have a shot.
"hopefully by the end of the year I'll have a shot"
Jason Peck: You're 6'3, which is rather tall for a middleweight. Is this your ideal weight, or would you consider a move up in weight?
"Bad Chad Dawson: Eventually there will come atime when I'll have to move up. Right now I want to win a title a 160. But there is definitely going to be a time when I leave one 160. Now I want to do what I have to do, and 160 is not a problem, but I know eventually it will be. The day of the weigh-in I'm usually 4 pounds over.
Jason Peck: How would you describe your fighting style to someone who has never seen you fight? What kind of influences are in your style?
"Bad Chad Dawson: I like Tommy Hearns, I'm a southpaw, and I think we are very similar. I see pictures of those guys, Hearns, Hagler, Leonard...that's how I want to be. You have to make the fans love you, and I have the style to do that.
Jason Peck: Bernard Hopkins has two title defenses left before he plans to retire. Assuming he doesn't face you, do you think he'll retire with his belts?
"Bad Chad Dawson: I don't think Jermaine Taylor is ready for that, but I'm not going to say he can't pull it off. I'm not a psychic. But if he does pull it off, I'll be right there.
Jason Peck: What do you in Jose Spearman, your next opponent?
"Bad Chad Dawson: I'm fighting a pretty good fighter. He has a 22-8 record with a few good upsets. I don't look for a knockout; I box smart and when I see the chance to take him out, I take him out.
Jason Peck: Last December you had your greatest victory - a seventh round stoppage of former super-middleweight champ Carl Daniels. That was a pretty big step up from your previous opponents, how did it feel to beat him?
"Bad Chad Dawson: My promoter called me and asked if I'd take the fight; I did, then I looked as his record and I knew I was taking a risk. I beat him, and like I said, when I do what I do best, which is boxing, I don't think anyone can beat me. Bernard Hopkins knocked him in the 10th; I knoecked him in the 8th. It was a big boost in my confidence level, so I'm happy.
"To any top middleweight, I'm ready"
Jason Peck: Anything else you'd like to say?
"Bad Chad Dawson: To any top middleweight, I'm ready. Hopefully Jermain by the end of the year, but I'm happy with my career right now.
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