Keeping Pace: Pascal Finds A Way To Win Light Heavy Crown

Canadian Jean Pascal is the new Light Heavyweight Champion. An accidental clash of heads resulted in a fight ending cut and since the Montreal fighter was ahead on all cards after 10 rounds and change, he was awarded the belt via technical decision.

The champion used quick lateral movement not only to set up overwhelming bursts, but also to get a breather. His physical strength and explosiveness allowed him to make an impression on the crowd and judges. Whether it was the whacking sound of his right hands to the body or simply manhandling for effect, Pascal let everyone watching know that he was giving it his all.

Dawson fought like an old man. Calm, but with no bounce. I thought his class peeked through from time to time, but he never looked like he could get his timing right. I'm going to guess he was just not used to that type of speed. He's always been the quicker guy. This was new. I think it's also pretty clear that he's not that comfortable or effective coming forward against a moving target. It just doesn't fit the fighter.

When Chad chose to bite down, the punches looked like the hardest he's ever thrown, which is why I don't really know what to make about the situation with his shoulder. I did hear him say it was "messed up" between rounds in the first half of the fight though.

It's a shame the contest never finished. Pascal was the better man through 10 and I give him a lot of credit for that, but I also feel for the former champion who didn't get the opportunity to save his title.

I got the feeling Pascal had to fight the fight of his life to win, whereas I think Dawson can improve on this performance. He knows Pascal just covers up on defense now. Give up on the pressure and throw in some side to side movement, which will allow him the time to counter the eventual attack.

The cut was gross. It started squirting immediately. Certainly a legit stoppage, though one can only wonder what may have gone on if the tables were turned...

Dawson could have stopped him, in my opinion. I thought he was going to, but it's hard to say because he also could have just stood around. Personally, I dont fault him too much for his "excuses". He was pissed. Good. He's got passion. I'm sure he's annoyed that didn't get a chance to finish and now everyones going to be talking about how he lost. In his mind Pascal was getting knocked out. It'll probably be another year before he can prove it, which has to eat at him.

Jean Pascal isn't the most technical fighter out there, but he is pretty good at what he does. While not always pretty, it's very smart of him to take advantage of his body type and just muscle guys around on the inside when he chooses to let loose. There aren't many light heavyweights who can stand up to sheer energy and force he comes up with in close. More often than not, they're going to get tossed across the ring, which looks bad to judges and spectators.

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Potential opponent, Lucian Bute, was on hand to see his fellow Canadian score the upset. I think he knocks them both out. Pascal could catch him, but it's hard to see a straight left missing. That would be a match-up of THEE two fastest cats around that weight.

Chad couldn't keep up or handle the offense. Too hot for him.

Pascal also called out former champ Joe Calzaghe. Joe looks in decent shape (not going to get into how he might have kept the weight off during his retirement) and there are rumors that he is thinking about coming back. I don't know if Pascal is the type of opponent he has in mind though. Sounds like a distance fight to me and it seems like a tall order for a comebacking champ. That kinda speed hasnt been nice to old guys in the past. Very tough call.

Bernard Hopkins might want some of that Canadian money. 27 vs 44 and I still don't know who I'd go with. Hops will find the holes, but enough? Another one that is certain to go 12.

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The highlight of the night for me was Larry Merchant, who desperately wants another warrior. Now that Shane Mosley and Evander Holyfield are about done, hes looking for a reason to stick around. Unfortunately the pool is as shallow as it's ever been. I was worried he was going to quit tonight.

"If Chad Dawson is one of the best fighters in the world..."

During the post-fight interviews he tore Dawson to shreds and capped it off by asking about his shoulder.

Don't take it personal Chad. He just misses Archie.

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Pound for pound is a game and nothing more. There's Manny and Floyd.... then about 40 other guys who don't really need to be put in order.

Carl Froch gets my vote for most underrated fighter in the sport. More on that later.