by James Slater, photo by Sumio Yamada –Two fighters put on truly dominant performances in their respective weight classes last night, as heavyweight Vitali Klitschko made believers out of many that he is the world’s best big man, and light-heavyweight Chad Dawson did likewise down at 175-pounds. The 37-year-old Klitschko proved to be way too much for Samuel Peter, shutting him out for 8-rounds before making the 28-year-old quit on his stool. And 26-year-old Dawson proved way too fast and powerful for Antonio Tarver, widely out-pointing and knocking down the 39-year-old over 12-impressive rounds. So, is it now clear who the world’s best heavy and light-heavyweights are? It sure looks like it.
It’s hard to see anyone beating Vitali Klitschko. Showing no rust at all after an almost four year layoff, “Dr Iron Fist” looked as good as ever. Yes, Peter proved to be a major disappointment and last night’s Berlin fight was, at least to this writer, a dull affair, but that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that Vitali is the best in his division.. Simply put, who is the #1 heavyweight if he’s not? While it is unclear what the new WBC king will do next, how soon he will box again and against whom, his position in anyone’s rankings must surely place him at the top. It’s even possible Vitali may decide to retire again, having seen he and his brothers’ dream of making history realised. But for now he rules the division as a fighter who seems to be far superior to any other big man out there; his brother Wladimir included.
As for Chad Dawson, he too must now be seen as the world’s #1 at light-heavyweight. Sure, some fans will point to Joe Calzaghe (especially if “The Pride Of Wales” beats Roy Jones Junior and looks good doing it), but to this writer’s way of thinking “Bad Chad” is the best at 175. Fast, unbeaten, powerful and at or approaching his very peak, the sizzling southpaw has proven his worth. There will no doubt be some fans who choose to criticise Dawson and bring up Glen Johnson’s name as the reason. And while Johnson did push Dawson hard, feeling afterwards that he’d won, Dawson got the decision and is a fighter still going up and improving; Johnson, on the other hand, while still formidable, has seen his best days. I agree, though, that a rematch between the two should happen. I also have no doubt about who would win.
Until anyone comes along and shows otherwise, Vitali Klitschko is the world’s best heavyweight, and Chad Dawson is the planet’s best light-heavyweight. They both proved it last night, in Germany and America, respectively!