Chad “Isn’t Really So Bad” Pascal by Technical Decision!
By: Joe Martin
August 14th, Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada: WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal and previously undefeated IBO Champion “Bad” Chad Dawson both entered the ring making the third defense of their perspective titles. But it was Pacal who would retain his title while grabbing Dawson’s winning an eleventh round technical decision.
The two finally squared off after a short war of words with Dawson claiming he would beat Pascal decisively every round.
Neither fighter came out charging looking to allow their hands to do the talking but Pascal started well combining some good movement and timely attacks to gain an early lead over a very cautious Dawson. Dawson would apply pressure stalking Pascal but most times found himself just following Pascal never letting his hands go and when he did keeping it to a tentative jab.
The home favorite Canadian found himself with and early lead with Dawson never pulling the trigger. Dawson gained some ground in the middle rounds with nothing big happening. In the eighth round Pascal staggered Dawson with a good right that seemed to wake up Dawson who battled back rocking Pascal in the ninth and wobbling him in the eleventh but making a “Bad” mistake never stepped it up allowing Pascal to hang on leading to an accidental clash of heads opened up a severe cut over Dawson's right eye forcing referee Michael Griffin to call for the doctor and then the scorecards.
Pacal’s early lead would hold up when to the delight of Pascal’s the scores were announced judge Jack Woodburn scoring it 108-101 and judges John Keane and Gerald Ritter 106-103 all for Pascal.
Mostly a technical fight I suppose it got a fitting result as Dawson who did nothing to build his “Bad” image was unable to close on the fading Canadian.
The unsatisfying conclusion can only be helped by the fact that the bouts contract had a rematch clause. Pascal has the option of an interim fight which has sprouted rumors of a match-up with fellow Canuck IBF Super Middleweight Title holder Lucian Bute who is scheduled to meet Jesse Brinkley in October.
Dawson will need time to recover from his cut and it could be well used to reassert himself as “Bad” Chad and take on undefeated IBF light heavyweight champ Tavoris Cloud, 21-0, 18Ko’s who just won a twelve round unanimous decision over “The Road Warrior” Glen Johnson.
Pascal climbs to 26-1, 16Ko’s while Dawson is left to ponder is “Bad” moniker and his first defeat at 29-1, 17Ko’s.
Bouts Punch Stats:
Jabs Pascal Dawson
Landed 24 57
Thrown 178 218
Percent 13% 26%
Power Punches
Landed 90 77
Thrown 256 218
Percent 36% 35%
Total Punches Landed 114 134
Thrown 430 436
Percent 27% 31%
