 |
| SFExaminer.com |
The odds looked stack in the undefeated Ward’s favour since he’s fighting in his hometown and Dawson is dropping down a division.
Ward is unbeaten at 25-0 with 13 KOs while Dawson is 31-1 with 17 KOs.
Ward made a name for himself by winning the Super Six tournament last year over some pretty good fighters such as Carl Froch, Arthur Abraham, Sakio Bika, Allan Green and Mikkel Kessler. The 28-year-old Ward turned pro back in 2004 and won the WBA Super title from Kessler by an 11th-round technical decision at the end of 2009. He added the WBC belt when he beat Froch by a unanimous decision last December in the final of the Super Six event.
The 30-year-old Dawson is a southpaw who hails from Hartsville, South Carolina. He’s been a pro since 2001 and has lost just one bout, which was to Jean Pascal by a technical decision in the 11th round after the fight was halted due to Dawson’s cuts.
He’s obviously going to have to lose weight to meet Ward in the super middleweight division. He’s 6-foot-1 with a 76.5 inch reach while Ward stands at 6-feet with a 71 inch reach.
Both boxers have faced some of the top boxing talent in the world throughout their careers, so its’ doubtful that anybody’ going to be suffering from a case of the nerves before the bell rings.
Ward’s actually used to fighting light heavyweights; at least he was in the past as he fought in that division as an amateur. Dawson could lose a bit of strength by coming down to super middleweight, but it could help increase his punching power.
Dawson is generally regarded as the more exciting fighter as he likes to throw punches in bunches. He’s got a decent knockout record, but isn’t known as a one-punch KO artist and Ward definitely isn’t either.
Dawson’s southpaw style could give Ward some problems while Dawson will need to watch out for the champion’s right hand. Dawson will have to stay active and pressure Ward right from the opening bell. He’s got quite a reach advantage and will need to use it to keep Ward at bay.
It’s unlikely that this fight will end by a knockout so every round is going to be extremely important as every point could be crucial. This is one of the closest matchups of the year so far, but if Dawson stays active, uses his jab, and keeps Ward at a distance he could win a close, controversial decision.
FeedCrossing is a partner of FootBasket. You can see more about them at their website.
