Title Fight Result (May 9)

It looked like an off-night for Chad Dawson and Antonio Tarver was somewhat better compared to their first match, nevertheless, Dawson was still obviously far more superior than the 40-year old Tarver. A rematch wouldn't have happened if it wasn't stipulated in the original fight's contract and if Tarver didn't exercise it. But, hey, can't blame the old man for taking his last significant pay check. Dawson retains his IBF Light Heavyweight title that if not for Tarver's couple of good rounds, it's like practically watching the same fight where Bad Chad also won by unanimous decision. That breaks Tarver's rematch winning streak where he was 3 out of 3 in previous rematches against Eric Harding, Roy Jones Jr. and Glen Johnson. Dawson is one of my favorite boxers but I was a bit disappointed in his performance. I thought that he didn't impose his will as much as he can and seem to be too careful at times or too relaxed. He obviously has more power and skills but he didn't use it to his advantage the way I thought that he would. I was actually expecting a knockout even though no one's stopped Tarver before. Based on their first fight and the way Chad dominated, a knockout seem to be the logical expectation on this fight. Anyway, regardless, Chad is still the best 175 pounder out there in my opinion. Better than Bernard Hopkins since B-Hop is avoiding him anyway. So, what's next for Dawson? Looking at the other titleholders - Adrian Diaconu, Zsolt Erdei and Hugo Garay, they will not even think about unification because there's not enough money to earn in this division compared to how much they will be earning defending their titles at home. So the only attractive fight in the 175-lb. class is against Glen Johnson who he defeated last year by what I thought was a lot closer score than what the judges perceived. If that's not going to happen too, then Chad's got to move up to fight Tomasz Adamek again for Adamek's belts or move down where there are a few more financially attractive options in Carl Froch, Lucian Bute, Mikkel Kessler, Librado Andrade and Allan Green. ESPN; Boxing Scene; Fight News

Prediction Result:
This pick is one of the easiest and if I didn't pick Chad then I shouldn't be blogging boxing.

My record is up to 28-3 and a draw. No changes in the tally.