Article published in the May/June '06issue of Boxing Digest. Story re-printed with permission of author.    

By Michael Swann

“Bad” Chad Dawson first laced up the gloves at the age of 11, beginning an outstanding career of over 70 amateur fights, winning championships in the Golden Gloves and U.S. Nationals. At the age of 19 in 2001 he turned pro, knocking out his first four opponents, three in the first round, and one in the second.

Now, no longer merely a prospect at 20-0, with 14 KO’s and a #8 WBC ranking, Dawson is a 6’3” , 23 year old super middleweight who is on the cusp of breaking into the bright lights of boxing’s big time.

Dawson, from New Haven , Connecticut, had an acrimonious breakup with his previous promotional group leading to court battles that cost him at least one fight when he was scheduled in the co-feature on the Winky Wright- Sam Soliman undercard. The southpaw Dawson scored three KO’s in 2005, two under the guidance of new promoter Gary Shaw - the Major Leagues of boxing.

Under the tutelage of Trainer of the Year Dan Birmingham, Dawson blew out Ronald Boddie in three last August, and scored a dominating, if somewhat frustrating 11th round TKO over the forever retreating Ian Gardner for the vacant NABO super middleweight title in November. You could see the focus in Dawson’s eyes as he systematically broke down Gardner, relentlessly stalking him and winning every round with right jabs and straight lefts.

Despite his overwhelming victory over Gardner, Dawson was far from satisfied.

“I give myself a B-minus. There were a lot of times that I thought I was the stronger fighter, but I didn’t take advantage of it. He didn’t have any confidence after the first four rounds. He couldn’t do anything to hurt me. There were times I could’ve taken him out, but I didn’t because I didn’t pull the trigger.”

Dawson is ecstatic about his new relationship with Dan Birmingham, Darryl Hudson, and the Gary Shaw team.

“Oh man, Dan is the best. I’ve learned a whole lot working with him. I’ve got Darryl Hudson as my strength and training coach - I’m with the best. Gary Shaw, that man is the best, every thing he’s ever told me, he’s good to his word.”

Chad says that he tries to learn from his mistakes, and still vividly recalls his only trip to the canvas in March 2003.

“It was Willie Lee. I was 10-0 and he was 10-1, and he caught me with a nice shot with my guard down in the first round. I knocked him out in the third, though.”

 The soft spoken Dawson is analytical about his ring talents. He listed his jab and his height as his strengths, and was far more verbose when speaking of how he perceived his weaknesses.

“I need improvement on my balance and knowing when I get a guy hurt, just knowing when to pull the trigger at the right time. I’m a patient fighter, but a couple of times I could have taken a guy but I didn’t take him because I was too cautious.”

Out of the ring, Dawson enjoys basketball and football, both the pro and colleges games, but is particularly proud of the highly ranked U Conn men’s basketball team. He has a fiancée, Crystal Adams, and a two year old son, Chad Jr. Through the maturation process, Chad has learned the lessons of youthful mistakes, and seems to be well grounded at this point in his life. 

Despite his impressive size, Chad says that he wants to remain a super middleweight for as long as he is able to maintain the weight.

“I want to be the super middleweight champion of the world. That’s my next goal.”

When does he think that he will be ready?

 “There’s some good fighters in this division,” he says as he rattles off the names of some of the best. “Whatever Gary [Shaw] presents, I’ll take it.”

In four short years “Bad” Chad Dawson has risen from unknown prospect to genuine contender. Expect to see this young man in a title scrap within the next 18 months.