Photos: Emily Harney
Former two-time light heavyweight world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (36-5, 19 KOs) cruised to an uneventful eight round unanimous decision over Denis Grachev (19-9-1, 10 KOs) on Friday night at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
Dawson was in control from the opening bell. Grachev’s best moment was round six when he connected with several punches. Scores were 80-72, 80-72, 79-73. With the win, Dawson claimed the vacant WBC USNBC title.
It was short, but sweet. Unbeaten heavyweight Cassius Chaney (17-0, 11 KOs) needed just 63 seconds to annihilate former cruiserweight title challenger Santander Silgado (28-8, 22 KOs). A crushing right hand laid out Silgado for several minutes.
Super welterweights Jimmy Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs) and Jose Medina (18-17-2, 7 KOs) battled to a six round draw. Scores were 58-56 Williams, 58-56 Medina, 57-57.
Lightweight Sharad Collier (3-0-1, 2 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO over Glenn Mitchell (3-4, 3 KOs). Both were down in a wild round one. Collier and got a referee’s stoppage at 2:12 of round four.
–
At one given time, Dawson was a force in boxing. I can still recall him getting the best of Hopkins and B-Hop said a foul or a slip in the ring could not make him continue in the fight (yeah, typical Hopkins). Dawson had a mixed-bag of skills that allowed him to be world champion. He possessed decent power and general ring-manship skills that made a great equalizer against most opponents. Like all fighters, Dawson met his demise by losing his heart in the sport and was cracked and floored in an upset KO. Dawson will provide some entertainment for certain crowds now, but I truly doubt we will see him as a major force again as his time is past. Good luck Chad!
Mr. Scooby Doo,
Change your default name to your actual name so people of integrity can {at least} take your words serious. You do come across as positive. Secondly, you do not know what lies ahead for yourself how can you ‘pin point’ about man competing in an eight rounder to gradually climb into his previous form. What have you ‘come from behind’ to reclaim? We all tell on ourselves when we type and or speak. From what I see Mr. Dawson has made strides according to himself. Who are you and I to be a ‘barometer’ on if and when he’ll do better (?).
No one knows the future but history is usually a good predictor. 37 yrs old comebackers in boxing usually get creamed, regardless of past skill level. It’s just what happens. There aren’t many B Hops, Pacquiaos, and Foremans out there.
Coach, thank you for your input. I do try to come across as a positive individual in many aspects. Sometimes it’s hard to do so on the wonderful digital age of the internet. Everyone is entitled to provide feedback, opinions, and at times, a valued hypothesis of observations based off our expertise of work/knowledge. However, gauging a “barometer” on any topic on this website is why we are all here typing away. We all make observations, provide opinions, and predictions on fighters, events, possible corruption in boxing, media flaws, etc. You may be shocked if I would expose my real identity and what I do for a living. However, we are all key board warriors here and not sure exposing myself would do any good for anybody reading my threads/posts. Have a wonderful day! Yes, I will hang around for a while and visit everyone on here! Thank you…
Great fight! Can’t wait to see Dawson in the near……zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz