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Dawson tops Tampa's Tarver

Associated Press photo

Chad Dawson, left, punches Antonio Tarver during the fourth round of their IBF light heavyweight championship.

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The Associated Press

Published: May 10, 2009

Updated: 05/10/2009 12:12 am

LAS VEGAS - Chad Dawson successfully defended his IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles Saturday night, unanimously outpointing Tampa's Antonio Tarver in a rematch of their October fight.

The undefeated Dawson, who looked lackadaisical at times in fighting off several impressive combinations from Tarver, had winning scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111 from the judges.

Unlike their bout last fall, when the fast-handed southpaw Tarver dominated in a 118-109, 117-110 and 117-110 victory, Saturday's fight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino produced plenty of back-and-forth action from start to finish.

"He put up a hell of a fight," said Dawson, 28-0 with 17 knockouts. "He definitely took me off my game."

Dawson landed most of the significant punches in the final four rounds, including a flurry at the end of the ninth round - arguably his most impressive round.

Tarver was the clear aggressor, throwing 749 punches to Dawson's 677. But the 26-year-old Dawson had a 62-14 advantage in punches that connected with the body and connected on 31 percent of his punches. Tarver only landed 16 percent of his punches.

"He pushed the fight and took me off my game plan," Dawson said.

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