Chad Dawson vs. Antonio Tarver Set To Go

The Sweet Science posted a released from Showtime confirming the deal for a interesting match up between two of the top light heavyweight title holders.

Antonio The Magic Magic Tarver and Bad Chad Dawson will step between the ropes on October 11th, to find out who is the better man when it comes to fistic combat - the aging one-time super star of the light heavy's or the best young talent in the division.

The fact that they came to terms did not come as a surprise.  Dawson, who is coming off a unanimous decision victory over tough veteran Glen Johnson, recently opted out of a low cash purse and low visibility (no visibility actually, it was not even going to be broadcasted) mandatory defense that would have taken place over seas, against Adrian Diaconu.  By doing so he relinquished his WBC light heavyweight title and Diaconu has subsequently taken the reign as champ.  

There is no way Dawson would have given up his title without knowing he was going to have a shot at two more in his upcoming fight. Even if he knew, we still think the move is a little risky. How many done deals have we seen fall through in the past? (Enough to say hold on to your belt)

In this case, it was the right move.  Dawson is what Tarver once was (when he defeated Roy Jones on two occasions) conditioned, skilled, fast and powerful. It will be quite the role reversal for Tarver from when Mason The Line Dixon (his character) defeated the veteran Rocky Balboa. In this battle of southpaws, Dawson dethrones the aging Magic Magic and claims his second and third (IBF & IBO) light heavyweight titles. 

This year has been as stand out display of great fights in the sport of boxing.  And the main reason is the fact that the promotors and fighters seem to be doing their best to make the best possible fights (minus Calzaghe) happen in a timely manner. With the stable of talent in all divisions below the 200 lbs mark, there should be no reason why this can't continue for quite some time.

The fight will be broadcasted on Showtime at 9:00 PM EST