Tarver-Dawson Press Conference

Photos by Big Joe Miranda

Wednesday, September 3rd saw the press conference for Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (27-4, 19 KOs) and “Bad” Chad Dawson (26-0, 17 KOs) in a light heavyweight war on Saturday, Oct. 11, live on Showtime from The Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.  The venue was the Liberty Grill in Downtown LA and it was HOT!  So hot, both promoters, fighters and assembled media were looking for some shade.  Neither fighter seemed interested in the other or their teams.  Antonio was in the shade at the far corner of the outside patio with his team and Chad was listening to music on his portable device in the sun covered tables.  Chad is very soft spoken and does not engage in trash talking which while refereshing, does not do much to sell the fight.  Antonio, who claimed to be “the best interview in boxing” was his usual self, promoting his record and accomplishments while stating many times that his gifts are “hard to see right away.”  Tarver spoke many times of the fight ending quickly with a big KO from him ala Roy Jones Jr. style.  Dawson truly believes his war with Johnson was a growing experience in the ring and he is now a much better fighter.  His promoter Gary Shaw stated that Dawson is one or two fights away from Pound for Pound status in the sport.  Tarver spoke about how his experience and skill would trump Chad and Dawson feels that with the extraordinary pressure Glen Johnson applied to him Tarver will be a much easier foe.  Dawson also stated, “we had plan A and plan B for Johnson and in round 3 I went to plan B and used my legs and speed”.  He believes Tarver to be a defensive opponent who looks to time his opponents.  Tarver feels that, “he will be there in front of me the whole night, he will be easy to hit and I have one punch knockout ability.”  Tarver heard that he is an underdog for the fight for the first time and was clearly agitated.  “I still get no respect” he stated. 

This fight will decide the who the best light heavy in the world and as Chad Dawson’s trainer, the great Eddie Mustafa Muhammad said in his long speech, “Don’t miss it”.