In lieu of Bernard Hopkins’ shoulder separation and subsequent controversial 2nd round TKO loss to Chad Dawson last Saturday (October 15), the WBC and RING magazine has decided to still recognize Hopkins as its light-heavyweight champion.
The decision was made yesterday (October 19) after a vote showed the majority of WBC board members disagreed with referee Pat Russell’s decision to award Chad Dawson a TKO victory. Hopkins separated his left shoulder after being shoved to the ground out of a clinch. Russell ruled there was no foul on Dawson’s part and deemed Dawson the controversial winner after Hopkins was unable to continue. Since then, Dawson and Hopkins have blamed each other for the fight’s conclusion.
Golden Boy Promotions, who represents Hopkins, has filed an official protest with the California State Athletic Commission. A decision will be made at their December 13 hearing. Hopkins will continue to be recognized as RING magazine’s light-heavyweight champion pending California’s December ruling.
At press time, Dawson and Hopkins have dismissed the possibility of a rematch.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 