California Commission Overturns Hopkins-Dawson

by Gautham Nagesh

On Tuesday the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) overturned Bernard Hopkins’ controversial technical knockout loss to “Bad” Chad Dawson on October 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in one of the worst PPV main events in recent memory.

The hearing, which took place at the CSAC’s regularly scheduled meeting, switched the TKO loss to a no decision on Hopkins’ record. Hopkins injured his shoulder and was unable to continue after Dawson shoulder-tossed him to the mat.

“Justice was served today,” Hopkins said. “I am thrilled that the California State Athletic Commission did the right thing and removed that loss from my record. Mistakes happen, but what you do to fix those mistakes is what counts.”

The move was slightly academic, since the WBC and Ring Magazine both effectively dismissed the result in the immediate aftermath and ruled Hopkins would remain light heavyweight champion. Dawson isn’t exactly a draw and Bad Chad doesn’t appear likely to get another title shot in the near future, since Hopkins told Stiff Jab last Thursday he’s targeting Lucian Bute for early next year.

“I think it came down to the tape. Both of our sides were making good points, but it was a dinner without a turkey. The tape was the turkey. I am happy this ordeal is over,” Hopkins added.

“Now I can focus on continuing to rehab my shoulder and get ready to fight again, hopefully early next year. I will start my usual boxing routine in a couple of weeks and get ready to defend my titles again.”

Great, the sage of Dawson-Hopkins is finally over. Now let us never speak of it again.