Dawson Dominates and Angulo Destroys

“I did what I said was going to do,” said Dawson, after the win. “I wanted to outbox him and used my legs. I had youth on my side. I wanted to use all my tools.”

The scores were surprisingly close. Dawson won by scores of 115-113 (twice) and 117-111. 8countnews.com scored the fight in favor of Dawson 120-108. Scores were similar among press row with the most generous media scorecards giving Johnson 3 rounds at the most. HBO’s unofficial judge Harold Lederman gave Johnson just 2 rounds.

Throughout the fight, Dawson would find his mark with his right jab, left hand, and numerous combinations to the head and body of Johnson. Through it all, Johnson had no answers.

It wasn’t for lack of effort that Johnson lost the fight. There were many times he was busier in terms of attempts to do damage. However, Dawson would sit back and pick his spots. Here and there he would open up with flurries showcasing a major speed advantage.

“Chad did what he had to do”, Johnson said afterwards. “He fought a smart fight.”

In the semifinal bout of the evening, junior middleweight contender Alfredo Angulo (17-1, 14 KO’s) scored a brutal 3rd round KO over the previously undefeated Harry Joe Yorgey (22-1-1, 10 KO’s) at 1:03 of the round.

The fight opened up tentative with Angulo pressing and Yorgey attempting to counter effectively. In the 2^nd round, Angulo trapped Yorgey against the ropes near his corner unleashing a flurry of punches that sent him to the canvas.

Yorgey made it to his feet and remained upright for the remainder of the round despite being on shaky legs. It did Yorgey no help that referee John Callas did not warn Angulo for two clearly late punches after he scored the initial knockdown and two consecutive illegal punches to the back of Yorgey’s head later in the round.

In the 3^rd, Angulo continued to press his still hurt opponent and unleashed and crushing left hook – right hook combination. The first punch appeared to knock Yorgey senseless while he was still on his feet. The follow-up left hook managed to send Yorgey straight to the canvas. The fight was immediately waved off.

Promoter Gary Shaw Tee's off on Max Kellerman as Alfredo Angulo celebrates his victory.