This is a fight that could well happen down the line. A fight with Dawson would the toughest test out there for Joe. This is no knee-jerk reaction from myself, following on from Dawson's impressive display against Tarver in the early hours of this morning. Ever since Calzaghe defeated Kessler and started eyeing the LHW division, I have thought that Dawson would be his hardest possible fight. Dawson had a tough old time of it against Glen Johnson, but who doesn't? Dawson's youth, speed, natural LHW power, killer jab, sneaky lead right hook, footwork and excellent body attack could well be too much for Joe to handle. He also showed improved defence against Tarver; after getting clipped with a couple of big lefts early on he began to keep his right hand up whenever he was within punching range, thereby negating Tarver's key weapon. Dawson's own punches were often blocked by Tarver, too often in fact, but even those that landed on the gloves had a secondary impact that travelled through the gloves into the face. However, despite showing good stamina against Tarver, there is the possibility that Joe could outhustle him over the 12 rounds and take a decision. Calzaghe is a formidable ring general, who usually imposes his will on an opponent and is great at dictating the pace of a fight to suit himself. Yet Dawson has shown excellent ring-craft himself. There have been questions asked regarding Dawson's chin, but I don't believe that Joe would have the power at LHW to seriously hurt him. Dawson throws his punches with authority and they have real snap on them, as opposed to Calzaghe who's punch technique often isn't that great (we all know about his bad hands). I lean towards Dawson by decision. I don't think he will blow Joe away, but his extra speed (I would say Chad is superior in this department, though Joe is no slouch) and power will keep Joe honest for the duration. What about the rest of you?
The sad part about this is that whole fighting in spurts issue, that it is true Tarver and Joe are two different types of animals. Joe has as good of a work rate as the Chad you just saw fight against Tarver. If the Dawson from the Johnson fight shows up, You will get a Chad Dawson who gets outpointed by the Pride of Wales. But I personally am banking on Dawson to run right through Joe...That’s of course if the most recent version of him shows up. :bbb
Dawson by KO. Calzaghe is good but he's not an athlete like Dawson ... This dude is 6'3, long ass arms, strong, fast as hell ...
Hopkins dominated Tarver he knocked Tarver down in a round he won anyway but Tarver lost that last round against Chad just because he was knocked down. The fight was closer than the Hopkins fight was and Joe beat Hopkins so I think Joe would win. I think Joe has the faster hands out of these two and I also think that a KO for him would be just as likely as a KO for Dawson I think Joe may even surprise one of these fighters soon if he keeps fighting big names for a couple of years to come because he still has the power to KO someone with a big flurry. He hurt Kessler and Kessler has never been down pro of armature so he must have a little power just like Mayweather did when he surprised Hatton with it. You also need to take into account that Calzaghe has more ring smarts than Chad Dawson and that he has over all more agility. I do not think Dawson has faster hands than Calzaghe at all but he is a very good fighter and I think it would be a very close fight I also think that Dawson may be able to edge Pavlik but I do not really rate Pavlik as highly as most and although I think he is a very good middle weight I don't think he will be as good at moving up as everyone thinks.
If Calzaghe fights after the RJJ fight it has to be against Pavlik. As for Chad, I think he should fight Johnson again, if he comes through his next fight. As, he looked so bad in that fight. Anyways, tbh if Calzaghe was to fight Dawson, I think it will be very close. I would say a SD to Calzaghe. This is because Calzaghe has the better ring carft and I can't see Dawson knocking him out.