Chad Dawson. Thoughts and Score for the Recent Johnson Fight.

http://www.boxingvideosonline.com/2008/04/chad-dawson-vs-glen-johnson-boxing.html

Here is the full link for anyone who hasn't seen it. Just watched it again for the 3rd time, and i don't see how anyone could not see it for Dawson. I had him up 8-4 same as the judges did.

IMO the close or pivotal rounds though were 2,11,12. I gave the second to Dawson, the 11th To Johnson and the 12th to Dawson.

I can see how you could have a slight difference here, so 7-5 is reasonable IMO also. Still, a win to Dawson, no where near as controversial as made out to be.

Some great things from Dawson in this fight.

* His overall handspeed and ability to throw punches in combinations fluidly.

* His movement, which although lacked at times due to fatigue, was good. He moved side to side and around the ring very naturally, and showed an ability to spring forward with punches easily whilst doing so.

* Heart. Big for a young prospect. He showed he will do what it takes to win. That he is prepared to go the distance, and to fight it out when hurt.

* Diversity in his attack. At times he beautifully mixed up his body work, lead hook, straight punches and uppercuts. Sometimes needed more of it, but showed he definitely has the ability to put together some great combinations.

Areas for Improvement.

* Most importantly his defense. He too often was caught being lazy. Not moving his head, not parrying the shots away, and standing on the inside with his hands in a bad position, squaring himself up. This is easily the biggest thing that needs work at this point.

* Ring Generalmanship. When Dawson moved and then threw punches, focused and defended well, and concentrated on fighting an intelligent fight, he won the rounds comfortably. When he sat in the pockets and allowed Johnson to walk him down without sticking his jab properly, he looked bad. I put this more down to experience then anything else.

* Conditioning. I think this fight really tested him, and showed that against world class fighters you really need to come in top condition and be prepared to fight at a world class pace. He looked tired at times, which is part of the reason he got tagged big in the 10th (from memory) by Johnson.

Overall, Dawson is still a top level fighter though, and a guy with a tonne of ability. Johnson was very tight defensively, and troubled Dawson with his pressure. Still, the closeness of the fight can mainly be attributed to Dawsons lack of experience. He showed he was the better fighter, and some of his great abilities. He just needs to fight more intelligently overall.

I think this fight was perfect for CHad. Very tough, and will provide a great learning curve. He will take FAR more out of this match than the Adamek fight.

Stylistically it appears Chad is going to have to learn better how to deal with swarming pressure. However, he is still going to be almost impossible to box with from the outside for ANYONE from 175 down. His handspeed, combination punching, reach and slickness is phenomanel.

I honestly can't believe how many people have just written him off. This guy is still the future of the division.

Interested to hear your thoughts and analysis:good

 

:good

IMO he has been in there with world class fighters, but never against a guy who made him fight at a world class pace and intensity.

Big learning curve. He passed the test though, and i think next time will come in far more prepared.

 

I would love to see a round by round if you have one.

I honestly don't know how you could give Johnson that many rounds. A lot of rounds he lost clearly, the only truly close rounds were the ones i mentioned.

At worst (and i mean very worst, giving those 3 rounds all to Johnson) you could still give him the draw.