Tomasz Adamek vs. Chad Dawson

This boxing match aired on Showtime in early February. I've had it recorded on my DVR for over a month. If you are into boxing you would have really enjoyed this match. It was for the WBC Light Heavy Championship which Adamek held. 12 rounds coming from Silver Spurs Arena which is located in central Florida.

Both men came into the fight undefeated: Adamek - 31-0 w/20KOs & Dawson - 22-0-1(nc) w/15KOs. Adamek, a tuff/rough boxer originally from Poland against a south paw from New Haven, CT. From what I gathered from the announcers, this was a real step-up fight for Dawson.

Both fighters are really loaded when it comes to the corner action. Adamek has Buddy McGirt for a trainer and Dawson was sporting Floyd Mayweather, Sr. It was certain that if the fighters didn't perform we would at least get heart and soul from their corners.

Round 1 was a typical feeling out type of round. I did notice that Dawson was shooting for the head and Adamek for the body. I really like to see a boxer go for the body. It shows good form, training, and discipline. I also enjoy a KO via a body blow more than anything. After a good shot to the chest there is usually that 1 or 2 second hesitation before they drop. It's like you get your cake and eat it too - a great punch and then the surprise of a knock down seconds later!

Round 1 was the only feeling out that Dawson needed! He began to destroy Adamek. Every round just seemed to get worse and worse for Adamek. Not only did Dawson punch Adamek over and over, he slipped most of Adamek's punches. Of course, Adamek never really punched that much. He was shutdown. As some would say - "he got owned". The announcers talked about the difference in the fight being Dawson's lightning hand speed. I definitely agree but I would add that Dawson was punching with a decent amount of power. Maybe not KO power but power none the less.

Round 7 Dawson punches Adamek in the "bread basket". As Adamek was moving backwards from the punch his foot got tangled on Dawson's. He hit the canvas and was ruled knocked down. Without the feet being tangled, I don't think Adamek would have went down. I guess he should be more careful to keep his balance next time. Also, every time he was hit hard, he would go straight backwards. He's lucky he didn't get KO'd.

Something I noticed that was really odd. Dawson's style was similar to Floyd Mayweather Jr's. Funny how Mayweather Sr is Dawson's trainer. Anyway, Dawson seem to drop his left hand and twist/roll his body often. While doing this he would pick his shots and punch with incredible hand speed and accuracy. It was so obvious to me that I kept thinking Mayweather Sr might be teaching him Jr's style.

Round 10 changed everything. Adamek catches Dawson with a lucky shot. I say lucky because it appeared to be about the only shot that Adamek connected. Dawson did make it back up but never really recovered the remainder of the fight. Even though he never completely recovered, I still gave him the 11 round. One could make an argument to give him the 12th as well. Adamek tried real hard for the KO in these last rounds but Dawson, even though he was hurt, still threw counter shots to keep up.

I've always wondered what would happen if a boxer's trunks came off during a fight. I found out in this fight. During round 11, Dawson's trunks came down below his protective cup that covered his groin area. The ref had to stop the fight and pull Dawson's trunks up at least twice. When round 12 started, Dawson's trunks were taped! Unbelievable....

This was a very exciting fight which I scored 117-109! It was a perfect fight for Dawson (at least up to the 10th round). Dawson could do no wrong. Had it been another night or a different opponent, who knows what might have happened. I'm looking forward to seeing Dawson in another fight. Showtime announcers want to see Dawson against Glen Johnson. I think Dawson might even KO Johnson. A more interesting fight would be to see how his hand speed will hold up against Antonio Tarver or my fav - Roy Jones, Jr.. Roy may never be the threat that he was in the past but I think he would be a great fight for the Dawson that showed up against Adamek.