WBC light heavyweight champ Jean Pascal retained his title via an eleven round technical decision over previously undefeated Chad Dawson, a pound-for-pound top ten fighter coming into the bout. Pascal built an early lead by outworking a surprisingly tentative Dawson. Dawson was staggered in round eight but came back to hurt Pascal in rounds nine and eleven, but both times he failed to apply pressure once he had Pascal in trouble. Later in round eleven, an accidental clash of heads opened up a nasty cut over Dawson's right eye. With blood literally gushing from the cut, the fight was stopped and went to the scorecards where Pascal was comfortably ahead 108-101 and 106-103 twice.
While it wasn't a particularly good fight, it would have been interesting to see if Dawson could have scored the KO he needed to win in the final round against the rapidly fading Pascal. Nevertheless, he was definitely behind at the time of the stoppage and - despite blaming the referee for allowing Pascal to hold and hit and suggesting that the head butt was intentional (which it clearly was not) - has only himself to blame for delivering an uninspired performance.
The fight contract had a rematch clause, but Pascal has the option of taking an interim fight first. A showdown with IBF super middleweight champ - and fellow Canadian resident - Lucian Bute would be a huge draw in Montreal, where a large and enthusiastic crowd showed up for Pascal's upset win over Dawson.
Dawson will need time for his cut to heal, but a fight with undefeated IBF light heavyweight champ Tavoris Cloud would provide a perfect showcase to bounce back and prove he's the elite fighter everyone considered him to be prior to facing Pascal.
Comments
This was one of those fights that was a surprise and that surprise made the match more entertaining then expected. Pascal was very smart, very fast and kept to a plan. Dawson seemed never to really get in the fight despite a couple of flashy moments. He was soundly beaten, clearly beaten and no excuses can be made. Pascal has his shot now at real star status and a Bute fight would be a huge draw in Canada and worth seeing. Dawson needs to go back and rethink how he wants to fight and maybe that fire can be found again.