I think Mikkel Kessler is starting to be underrated lately. Kessler has performed better at his best than any of Chad Dawson's opponents and let us not forget that Dawson's hasn't had it plain sailing with them [Adamek and Johnson] either. Just because a fast fighter like Calzaghe beat Kessler doesn't mean a fast fighter like Dawson could. Calzaghe beat Kessler not just because he was faster, but because he was much more experienced, more intelligent, more versatile, because he could take a very good punch when he had to and had superior defence. Dawson is less experienced than Kessler, much less intelligent, less disciplined tactically, has a poorer defence and given his chin, once hurt, you'd have to fancy Kessler to finish him. I think it would be a close fight and if he gave his best performance, Dawson could win, but it's not as clear cut a case as some here would like to make out.
He is slightly taller but he is not bigger. Kessler outweighs him on the night already whilst fighting at a lower division!
:roll: he's not mike tyson, but to say Dawson doesnt have power is a moronic statement. he has a lot more power than calzaghe or kessler
This is the post that could/should finish this thread. Its a pick'em for me personally, but Calzaghe is a completely different animal than Dawson. Dawson lacks the chin, defence, footwork, in/out movement that Calzaghe had to rely on to beat Kessler. Calzaghe is also an excellent match spoiler when he needs to be. Dawson has yet to show me these weapons. And I dont believe that you can reasonably argue that Kessler cant fight fast southpaws just because he lost 8-4 against Calzaghe - in Cardiff in front of 60.000 people. Kessler actually did allright considering the circumstances. Dawson has some ****in sound fundamentals and could win a UD against Kessler. But Im leaning towards Kessler in this one.
Pretty much, although I would see it being more, competitive than the Adamek fight. But yeah. I have the sneaking suspicion that Dawson would take a right hand that would hurt him and he would get stopped either by the ref or Knocked out. Dawson by clear UD is a decent shout also. Kessler TKO late I think.
He wins. Against quick, unbelievably adaptable southpaws, he wins some early rounds but doesn't really have a plan B so unfortunately loses. Hope that's refreshed your memory. :thumbsup
If Kessler moves up with no problem, then Kessler. Let's not forget that Kessler had a VERY close fight with Calzaghe. When you think of the supposed class difference, Kessler was ALWAYS in the fight, even when he wasn't winning rounds. He rocked Joe in the fourth with a stern uppercut. Dawson is the guy who was floored heavily with a right hand from Tomaz Adamek, and, whilst a very good boxer, still seems a bit careless. I can imagine Kessler chinning him. However, I still say it's a 50-50 fight, Dawson will have the mix of snap and speed that Calzaghe nessecarily might not have.
Dawson poses a much bigger threat than Mundine does. I've seen more than 20 of Mundine's fights, and he isn't on Dawson's level. He has decent defence but offers not nearly enough in attack that would compare him to Dawson. Dawson is quicker, can put better combinations together, has a better workrate, and has a much bigger size advantage. Mundine's defence is alright though, but overall, he's a poor mans Dawson at best.
I see a UD for the Daw, but if this fight ever does happen it won't happen for awhile. It would be an interesting fight though.