Yesterday, Chad Dawson called me up to discuss his big championship fight next weekend against Bernard Hopkins. Despite Dawson’s youth and speed, most experts are predicting Hopkins to win it. In the below excerpt, Dawson gives a few reasons why he expects to be the first man to knock out Hopkins. Look out for the full interview here next week.
He’s been taking a lot of punches recently. One thing I can say is that it won’t be hard for me to get to him. Pascal put him down two times in the first fight. And even in the second fight Pascal had him hurt in the 12th round. I want to be the Chad Dawson from 2005-2006 — the young guy with the hunger, aggression and everything. I know I can be the first person to knock Bernard out. I don’t think he understands why he’s got himself into. I’m back with [trainer] John Scully and my strength and conditioning trainer. We had a great training camp and I’m ready for this fight. I’ve been ready for this fight for the last 2-3 years. I finally got it and like I’ve said, I’ve always shown up in big fights. I’ve never backed down from anybody or ducked anybody. Bernard says I’ve quit before but you’ve never seen me quit in the ring. I’m looking to retire Bernard Hopkins for good.
“Believe It Or Not!: Hopkins vs. Dawson” is a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship Titles taking place on Saturday, Oct. 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 