Antonio Tarver vs Chad Dawson Preview


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Antonio Tarver vs Chad Dawson Preview

By Brad Marchetti, Doghouse Boxing (Oct 7, 2008) DoghouseBoxing.com (Photo © Tom Casino/SHOWTIME)

The W.B.C light-heavyweight title will be at stake this weekend when Antonio Tarver vs Chad Dawson fight on Showtime at 9 PM ET. Dawson, 26-0, 17 KO’s, will be making the 3rd defense of his title after getting a lucky decision win in his last fight against Glen Johnson as a 3-1 favorite. The 39-year old Tarver, 27-4, 19 KO’s, earned his shot at Dawson’s title by out pointing tough UK veteran Clinton Woods in his last bout as a 6-5 favorite. The boxing betting odds for the Antonio Tarver vs Chad Dawson fight has Dawson as a 5-2 favorite.

Chad Dawson is a rising star in the boxing game. Young, fast and gifted, the 26-year old Dawson has the tools to become a pound-4-pound contestant. At a well-muscled 6'3" Dawson is an imposing light-heavyweight that can overpower lesser foes with his pressure and speed. At his best Dawson throws devastating combinations that usually leaves his opponents in a heap on the canvas. Added to the list of Dawson’s skills is the fact that Dawson fights from a southpaw stance and is fairly slick on defense. In his last fight, however, Dawson was battered and beaten up by rugged Jamaican Glen Johnson. Johnson almost KO’d Dawson in the 11th round and Dawson lost the fight in most observers eyes. In the Johnson fight, Dawson showed that his heart and chin are suspect. A closer look at Dawson’s resume will also reveal that Johnson was the only A-caliber fighter that he has fought in the pro ranks.

Baby-faced graybeard Antonio Tarver is out to prove that he is just as much of a pugilist as he was before Bernard Hopkins drilled him in 2006. Tarver was more concerned with his Hollywood acting (Rocky 6) career than he was with his training and Hopkins whipped his ass. Since the Hopkins loss, Tarver has reeled off three wins in less than spectacular fashion. While Tarver has lost a few miles off his fastball, “The Magic Man” from Orlando, FL still knows how to fight. At a lanky 6'2" Tarver is a crafty boxer\puncher that still possesses very-good pop in both hands. Tarver is at his best when he works off his jab and uses movement to create angles. Antonio has all of the punches in the book and he still has above-average handspeed. Tarver understands defense and knows how to use effective head movement. At age 39 however, Tarver’s legs and reflexes are suspect. Antonio has made millions and some insiders have also questioned his desire after his lethargic performance against Hopkins.

Did the beating Dawson took in his last fight against Glen Johnson take anything out of him? Can Tarver regain some of his old magic against a younger, faster and stronger champion? The boxing betting odds OVER\UNDER for the Antonio Tarver vs Chad Dawson fight is 11.5 rounds with the OVER at -200.

Antonio Tarver vs Chad Dawson Boxing Betting Odds

Dawson -265

Tarver +205

Antonio Tarver Power Ratings 1-10 Marchetti Scale

*Power: 8 (* indicates x200%)
Size: 8
Speed: 6
Stamina: 7
Defense: 7
Chin: 8
Cuts: 8
Heart: 6
Legs: 5
Jab\Reach: 6
In-Fighting: 6
Ring IQ: 8
Peak: 5

Marchetti Rating: 8.9

Tale-of-the-Tape for Antonio Tarver

From: Orlando, FL
Height: 6'2
Weight: 175
Reach: 75"
Age: 39
Style: Boxer\Puncher
Best Punch: Left Cross

Chad Dawson Power Ratings 1-10 Marchetti Scale

*Power: 8 (* indicates x200%)
Size: 9
Speed: 9
Stamina: 7
Defense: 8
Chin: 5
Cuts: 7
Heart: 6
Legs: 8
Jab\Reach: 7
In-Fighting: 8
Ring IQ: 7
Peak: 7

Marchetti Rating: 9.7

Tale-of-the-Tape for Chad Dawson

From: New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Height: 6'3
Weight: 175
Reach: 76
Age: 26
Style: Puncher\Boxer
Best Punch: Left Cross.

View Betting odds or place a bet: Click Here.